The Western Isles Council has laid out a clear roadmap for restoring the islands’ education system ahead of pupils’ August return.
Schools, nurseries and childcare centres were forced to close back in March as the coronavirus pandemic unfolded across the world.
Despite the lockdown, 93% of the islands’ school-age population have continued to engage with educators through e-learning and hubs.
With at least a partial return to the classroom from August 11, council officials have published information on their local delivery plan, which establishes a framework for a return to early learning and school buildings.
The details come days after health officials confirmed their seventh case of Covid-19, the first in the Western Isles since early April.
It is accepted the process of returning to school will not be simple for the council, staff, pupils or parents, many of whom face working full-time while children undertake what will be part time in-class education.
And director of education, Bernard Chisholm, accepts the proposals will be subject to change to reflect the wider landscape and the changing face of coronavirus.
He said: “This plan sets out how Western Isles schools, nurseries and childcare centres will progress through a carefully planned return to school buildings and services.
“It reflects current views of what should be expected during each phase, but will be subject to change in timing, duration and content.”
Staff have already began returning to school premises to begin planning and organising the learning space as part of phase one of the plan, which will end on June 26.
Students will make their return to the classroom in phase three of the plan through a blend of in-school learning and home learning.
Constituency MSP Alasdair Allan said the community faces a difficult task in restoring the education system but is hopeful islanders will continue to work together.
He said: “Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, like all local authorities faces the difficult task of re-opening schools on August 11 while still observing social distancing rules.
“I recognise many parents face a difficult task too, in trying to work full- time while their children are only in school part-time.
“The road ahead is clearly not going to be simple, but I hope schools, communities and parents in the islands can continue to work together to reach the best possible outcome.”
A series of revised protocols, procedures and risk assessments have be endorsed as part of the plan to ensure a safe working environment for both students and staff.
Deep cleaning routines, health and safety checks and provisions of PPE and hygiene supplies have all been identified, alongside the implementation of procedures to ensure schools are able to respond rapidly to the changing status of the virus, including being able to close or re-open imminently.
