Childen in 'key transition groups' will return to East Renfrewshire's schools in June

Nursery children in pre-school year and current primary seven pupils will return to educational settings on a rota basis, following all national social distancing guidance.

Education chiefs said it is important that children in these groups have a chance to return to school before the summer holidays, to "lay the foundations" for learning in the next session.

It is thought East Renfrewshire Council is the first local authority in Scotland to announce its plans for children returning to school.

Pupils across the country are expected to return from August 11, with a combination of in-school teaching and at-home learning being used.

Teachers will be allowed to return to classrooms from Monday, June 1, to prepare.

Councillor Paul O'Kane, East Renfrewshire's education convener, said: "It is important that the pupils in the key transition groups get the opportunity to return to a school setting before the summer holidays to lay the foundations for the important learning which will take place in the next session.

"We have put plans in place to ensure social distancing is adhered to within our schools and look forward to welcoming this small group of pupils back.

"It has been a difficult time for all, especially young people who are missing their friends and the normality of school.

"This is the first step on our road to recovery and we will provide details of the approach which will be taken to blended learning in August as soon as is possible."

The hub schools currently operating in East Renfrewshire for the children of key workers will stop at 3pm on Friday, June 5, and all pupils who have been attending these hubs will return to their normal primary or secondary school from Monday, June 8.

Other local authorities are still considering their plans.

In discussions with trade unions and head teachers, Glasgow City Council has said a two-day school week could be one solution to allow social distancing in schools.