A letter from Gillian Brydson, Director of Skills, Education and Learning on the reopening of schools in January 2021.
22 December 2020
Dear Parent / Carer
Following the First Minister’s announcement on Saturday evening (19 December) I want to update you on what will happen in January when your child would normally return to their school or nursery.
- The First Minister has extended the Christmas holiday period to Monday 11 January 2021.
- From 11 January schools will work remotely providing online learning.
- The Scottish Government has advised that the aim is for a full return to school buildings and face-to-face learning and teaching for all children on 18 January.
Children of key workers and our most vulnerable children
- For children of key workers and our most vulnerable children provision is being made to attend school on 6-8 January. This will be for childcare only, and will be for the duration of your child’s school day. Remote learning will start on 11 January.
- You will need to apply to attend. The online form can be completed at: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=9h0uvVqNZ0imR0h8KnQC3lG0Hb3Xvx1Cq3WYXBPmx0lUN1I2RzE1NkI4QUg1UzlQTE05WlFGQ1dSNC4u
- The form needs to be completed by 10am on Wednesday 30 December to allow us to plan for the return in January. We will then confirm arrangements by 5pm on 30 December.
- Schools will also make provision for children who have any vulnerability. Schools and social work will make decisions about what this means, and will communicate directly with you.
Remote learning
Schools will be offering remote learning to all school pupils from 11 January.
The in-school remote learning provision for those children of key workers and our most vulnerable children will be similar to a homework club where there will be adults supervising children, but not directly teaching.
Teachers will be fully occupied delivering remote learning to all pupils.
Further information
Please be assured we will do everything possible to keep you updated on any further changes. Schools have been planning for the possibility of remote learning and are well prepared.
To provide further information we have a ‘frequently asked questions’ webpage which can be read at:
For further updates please follow Dumfries and Galloway Council on Facebook and Twitter pages.
Thank you once again for your patience and understanding in very challenging times.
Yours faithfully
Gillian Brydson
Director of Skills, Education and Learning
