Schools across the Highland Council area are preparing to welcome pupils back on Monday with the further easing of coronavirus restrictions

All schools across Highland are looking forward to welcoming pupils back to classrooms on Monday with the further easing of current Covid-19 restrictions.

The Scottish Government confirmed that the majority of pupils will return full-time to in-learning education after the Easter break, except for those that are shielding.

Pupils who are on the shielding list are advised to stay at home until April 26 and all other pupils in Highland will return to school on Monday.

The Scottish Government has confirmed the removal of two metre physical distancing between pupils in secondary schools. However, face coverings and other safety measures will remain in place and pupils should bring a face covering with them to school.

It has also been confirmed that two metre physical distancing will also be removed on school transport, however pupils must still maintain distancing from any other person on board the vehicle. Parents and pupils can find Highland Council’s updated school transport protocol on its website.

Councillor John Finlayson, the chairman of the council's Education Committee, said: “A huge amount of work has been ongoing in educational settings across Highland to prepare for the return to school and the return to face to face learning for pupils at all stages.

"I am pleased that after the Easter holiday period our schools will have nearly all of our pupils back full time which I know will be widely welcomed by pupils, parents and school staff across all parts of the Highlands.”

Further information on the return to in-school learning for pupils on the shielding list will be made available when further national guidance has been received.

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