Highland Council is working on three scenarios to cope with the return to school next month, with the health and safety of pupils uppermost, education chairman councillor John Finlayson said yesterday.
Plan A is a 100% return with no social distancing measures, which is the council’s key focus for August 12.
Should that not come to pass, Plan B will be for a 100% return with one-metre social distancing, using a range of local buildings and additional staffing.
It is also in place for an increase in the ‘R’ factor and possible second wave of the virus.
The council’s unwanted Plan C is for two-metre social distancing and 50-50 blended/school learning, using a range of local buildings and additional staffing.
This plan would also be used in the event of a possible lockdown.
Mr Finlayson said: “Our staff having been working hard on developing plans, including contingencies, so we can accommodate the maximum number of young people safely in our schools.
“This is an immense and complex task as the national guidance and the health situation continues to evolve.
“I understand that parents, staff and young people, while looking forward to getting back to school in August, may be feeling anxious as well.
“I wish to provide assurances to you at this time that we will only progress with a 100% return if it is safe to do so and all our plans will be in line with national guidance.”
Further planning options to support the safe and secure reopening of schools and early years centres will be developed should national guidance change during the period from now to August 6.
Education and learning boss Paul Senior said: “Our priority must be the safety and wellbeing of our pupils and staff.
“Individual school circumstances are being assessed at a local level and will remain mindful of national guidance.
“It is important our decisions in local planning are informed by local conversations as we continue our engagement with communities across Highland.
“We also understand the importance of communication and we are working hard to share up to date information with everyone concerned”.
The council has a ‘back to school’ section on its website with continually updated information for parents and young people.