Fife MSP calls for meeting over council’s return to school plan

Following the announcement that schools will reopen on a limited basis in August, Fife Council has provided information on plans for blended learning to take place with reduced numbers of pupils in attendance each day in line with social distancing requirements.

Ms Baker has now written to Fife Council’s Executive Head of Education and Children’s Services, Carrie Lindsay, on the matter, following correspondence from a number of local parents raising concerns about the plans.

“I am being contacted by many constituents who have concerns about the school proposals announced by Fife Council and MSPs need to be kept informed as to how decisions are being made,” she said.

“It is our responsibility to seek answers for our constituents and ask for assurances about the plans.

“I appreciate that local authorities are facing a huge challenge in preparing for a return to limited in-school learning but they must also respond to the concerns being raised in their communities.”

Families will need the time to plan for reduced school hours and many will need to reorganise working hours and find additional childcare in line with the new school arrangements, Ms baker said.

She added: “Parents and pupils are anxious about the potential impact of significantly reduced in-school hours on the quality of education delivered, and we have already seen evidence of the variation in home-based education.

“I have called for a meeting between Fife Council’s education department and all local MSPs and hope this can be swiftly arranged.

“With the school holidays fast approaching, we need to act now to provide reassurances to parents and pupils on how the new arrangements will work and how the quality of education will be maintained.”