ONE in every 50 pupils at East Renfrewshire’s schools are missing classes as a result of the coronavirus crisis, the Barrhead News can reveal.

Scottish Government figures show that 360 absences at the area’s schools on one single day were Covid-19 related.

These included pupils who were self-isolating, in quarantine, shielding or may have shown symptoms.

The absence figures for September 15 represent two per cent of the 18,000 pupils who attend East Renfrewshire’s five secondary and seven primary schools.

Three schools – Crookfur Primary, Williamwood High and St Ninian’s High – have been directly affected by Covid-19 and introduced contact tracing this month.

The nursery at Braidbar Primary, in Giffnock, was also shut to pupils after staff tested positive for the virus and only reopened on Monday.

The same government figures also show that a total of 50 teachers at East Renfrewshire schools were off work on September 15 due to Covid-19.

Of those, 21 had contracted coronavirus or were showing symptoms, while the others were self-isolating or quarantining.

The absences also included teachers who had to look after a family member or a child with Covid-19.

A further 31 non-teaching staff were off work with Covid-related issues, including 20 who had the virus or were showing symptoms.

A spokesman for East Renfrewshire Council said a lot of hard work has taken place at local schools to ensure the safety of all pupils and staff.

He added: “The number of pupils absent from school due to Covid-related reasons has remained extremely low and, where children are having to isolate, then the required home learning provision is being put in place to support them.”

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