As local councils begin to lay out the details how schools could reopen in August, Brian Whittle MSP is calling on the Scottish Government to ensure the plans see pupils back in the classroom as much as possible.
The call comes as the Scottish Government announced plans for schools to maintain 2 metre social distancing by operating using so-called “blended learning”. Under the plans, pupils would spend part of their time in school in much smaller classes, and the rest of their time learning at home.
There’s been a backlash from parents to the plans, which suggest that pupils may only be in school for a two days a week to allow for social distancing. Many working parents are also asking how they’ll balance their jobs with home schooling needs.
Responding to the fierce criticism of the plans, the First Minister was forced to step in, saying they were “a contingency” and may not be needed.
South Scotland MSP and former Olympian Brian is challenging the Scottish Government to deliver a plan that works for parents, pupils and teachers.
Brian, who is the Scottish Conservative Party Shadow Health Minister, also wants to make sure that pupils still have the chance to do some kind of PE during blended learning.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“Even if, as the First Minister says, blended learning is only a contingency if it isn’t safe to fully reopen schools, a contingency is only any good if it works.
Parents have done their best during lockdown to give their children an education but things will be more difficult as businesses reopen and parents return to work. Employers will, I’m sure, be as accommodating as possible, but that’s far from a solution.
Lockdown has been difficult for many of us and regular exercise is something that benefits our mental health as well as physical fitness. It’s important that PE isn’t left out of the blended learning curriculum.
The Scottish Government has to give councils the support they need to give pupils access to as much time at school as possible, even if that means making use of other buildings as extra classroom space. And if we need the blended learning system, it has to be a genuine, practical alternative to full time school education.”
(Photo - Brian Whittle MSP outside Onthank Primary School with Councillor Ian Grant)
