Two Uist schools to stay closed until after October break

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar gave an update on the Uist schools last night (Wednesday, September 30).

It said that there remains a number of Covid-19 cases confirmed in the Uist area. To date, all those who tested positive live in South Uist.

Appropriate contact tracing measures are in place and a significant number of pupils and school staff are currently self-isolating on this basis.

In response to this, the Comhairle has confirmed the following arrangements for schools in the Uist area.

• Daliburgh School and Nursery and Lionacleit Secondary will remain closed for regular attendance until the October break.

• Iochdar School, Balivanich School and Sgoil Uibhist a Tuath, along with their associated pre-school provisions, will open on Thursday, October 1, on a full-time regular basis.

The situation will be reviewed daily and any changes to the above plans will be immediately communicated through the normal Comhairle social media channels and school Groupcall systems.

All schools in the area have been deep-cleaned and risk assessments have been reviewed.

IT support provision is being put in place for Daliburgh and Lionacleit in order that pupils can be provided with an online curriculum to access learning from home during the period of closure.

The headteachers in Daliburgh and Lionacleit are due to be in contact all their parents and pupils to explain local arrangements.

The Comhairle is also re-issuing guidance to all staff, parents and pupils in terms of safe practices and behaviours and is encouraging everyone in the community to comply with all current restrictions and safe hygiene practices.