Moray SNP News

MSP SEEKS UPDATE FROM MORAY COUNCIL ON SCHOOLS RETURN PLAN

Richard Lochhead MSP is seeking regular updates from Moray Council’s education department on its plans for schools returning as soon as possible.

Mr Lochhead has described it as an anxious time for parents and pupils, who are waiting to find out how many days a week they’ll be in school after the summer holidays.

The MSP who has written to the Council seeking further information on local plans, has praised teachers for their efforts over the last few months many of whom have worked at local hubs to enable key workers to go to work and also for the quick way they adapted to working from home.

Commenting Mr Lochhead said:

“As a parent myself, I know that this is an anxious time for families in Moray as we try to prepare for schools safely returning in August. There’s no doubt that the last few months will have been unsettling for pupils and I’m sure that they’ll be looking forward to getting back to school.

“Families are also keen to know what lies ahead given the need to plan for life after the summer holidays but given the nature of the public health emergency, and the lack of a vaccine, it is clear that this is an evolving situation.

“Although the education authorities have to plan for reopening, no-one knows what the situation will be on August 11th so I don’t envy the challenge facing Moray Council and school staff.  

“I’m aware that Council officers, head teachers and wider school staff will all be working hard behind the scenes to ensure that the local plan for returning to school safely.

“We know this won’t be the normal start to term that kids and teachers are used to, and whatever arrangements are put in place will only be temporary and for as brief a time as possible. However, it is really important that plans are shared with parents and pupils as early as possible, so there’s time for any issues to be ironed out and any anxieties to be addressed before the schools go back.

“Teachers across Moray have done a great job supporting their students through lockdown and I urge the Council to consult our teaching staff and listen to parents and pupils as it develops plans to get kids back into the classroom."