E-sgoil leads the way in teacher training as schools prepare for pupils to return

Last week the Scottish Government announced funding of £50 million, which will be ring-fenced for the recruitment of approximately 850 extra teachers and around 200 additional support staff, as local authorities put in place plans for the reopening of schools under the restrictions of social distancing.

Addressing Parliament, Education Secretary John Swinney also pledged that £20 million will be allocated to help councils with additional costs associated with new health protection measures, school transport, enhanced cleaning and other essential logistical issues.

A further £3 million will be invested in youth work to support education recovery.

The funding breakdown is part of a £100 million package of support announced by Mr Swinney in June.

SUPPORTING WORKFORCE

Talking about the funding Mr Swinney said: “All of the school workforce have a crucial role to play in our education recovery mission, and it is vital that they are supported to do so.

“The ring-fenced £50 million funding to recruit more teachers and support staff will enable schools to intensify support for children and young people as they return to full time face-to-face education and help to mitigate for learning loss.

“The £20 million funding recognises the extremely valuable work of our school cleaners, facilities management and school transport staff, who are essential to the successful delivery of education in Scotland. I also mentioned in my statement in June that we would be seeking the assistance of the youth work sector in supporting those families and communities who need it most.

“The sector will receive £3 million of investment because it has continued to support and engage children and young people throughout the pandemic, including using digital technology and outreach work to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on children and young people’s mental health, learning and development.

“While this funding should provide local authorities with the assurance they require to progress plans immediately, we will continue to work with COSLA to understand the additional costs associated with schools reopening.

“We are currently developing guidance, with our partners in the ERG, on health mitigations and precautions that will be in place to allow schools to fully reopen in August and a final decision on school re-opening will be announced on July 30th.”

PLAN FOR AUGUST 13 RETURN FOR ALL

Talking about the new money available a spokesman for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: “We cannot confirm the proportion of funding available to the Western Isles at this stage, but we will be working with our local teaching population to ensure that all staffing requirements are met in our schools.

“In addition, as announced by the Deputy First Minister, E-Sgoil in the Western Isles will lead in the training of teachers in online learning across the country in partnership with Education Scotland.”

The Comhairle is currently progressing detailed plans to open schools fully to Western Isles pupils from August 12th.

The spokesman explained: “Whilst there may be a short period of phased return for some larger schools over the first day, we plan for all pupils to be able to attend from 13th August, subject to final confirmation from the Scottish Government.”

No further details on the shape of the local school day and what social distancing measures pupils and staff will be undertaking are yet available, but it is hoped that a clear plan of action will soon be communicated to parents, following the Government’s final decision on schools reopening, today (July 30th).