COUNCIL chiefs say they are doing everything they can to ensure pupils “spend as much time in school as possible” as planning continues for the safe reopening of schools in the area after the summer holidays.

From August 11, most pupils in the region will attend school for part of each week as part of a blended-model with face to face learning supplemented by online learning from home.

It comes as government guidance on social distancing means class sizes will have to be reduced when schools reopen due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

South Ayrshire Council have admitted that this has been a “complex exercise” but with every school unique in terms of layout and in pupil and teacher numbers it means that there cannot be a one size fits all approach.

Schools will contact parents directly with information on their child or children’s pattern of attendance as well as publish details on their website from next week.

Councillor William Grant, portfolio holder for children and young people, said: “I’d like to thank schools, parents and young people for their hard work over the last 12 weeks to make sure our pupils’ learning has been supported. I know that young people are keen to get back to school, but unfortunately national restrictions mean pupils can’t all return as normal on August 11. Schools have done everything they can to make sure that, from August, young people will spend as much time in school as possible.

“I appreciate that these are difficult times and and I’d ask for your patience until these restrictions are eased.”

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