Some school children return to class in East Renfrewshire

A small number of children in “key transition groups” in East Renfrewshire have returned to school.

Nursery children in pre-school year and current P7s return on a rota basis, with national social distancing measures followed.

The council had previously emphasised the importance of children in these groups having the chance to resume school before the summer holidays to “lay the foundations” for learning in the next session.

Councillor Paul O’Kane, convener for education and equalities in East Renfrewshire, said last month: “It is important that the pupils in the key transition groups get the opportunity to return to a school setting before the summer holidays to lay the foundations for the important learning which will take place in the next session.

‘It has been a difficult time for all, especially young people who are missing their friends and the normality of school.’
Councillor Paul O’Kane, education convener at East Renfrewshire Council.

“We have put plans in place to ensure social distancing is adhered to within our schools and look forward to welcoming this small group of pupils back. It has been a difficult time for all, especially young people who are missing their friends and the normality of school.”

Last Monday, all pupils who had been attending the council’s hubs for children of key workers began attending their normal primary or secondary school.

Pupils across Scotland are expected to go back in August through a blended model of in-school teaching and at-home learning.

The method is intended to reduce class sizes and the number of children in the building at any one time.

Analysis: ‘Big moment for young people’

By Ewan Petrie, STV politics correspondent

Transition from nursery to primary, or primary to secondary, is a big moment for all young people.

A lot of planning goes on during the year to make the move as smooth as possible. Since the closure of schools in March this planning has had to be considered even more carefully.

Around this time many primary seven pupils would be taking part in programmes designed to make them feel more comfortable about the change.

Schools have had to adapt to find ways to help them while staying within the guidelines over social distancing. Some are using virtual tours to show their new surroundings, while others will allow small groups to make visits in person. Arrangements vary between different local authority areas.