Pupils and parents in Fife have been urged to start preparing for lessons in school and at home.
The appeal came in an update from Fife Council which is working towards a return to classrooms on August 11.
Schools closed in March at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, and teachers and parents had to adapt overnight to online support working from home.
And that will continue even when pupils begin to return to class after the extended absence.
Social distancing will also become a way of routine for pupils across Fife’s primary and secondary schools.
Education officials are looking to create a “blended model” and are studying how other countries made the transition back after the virus.
In a video update, posted on line, Carrie Lindsay, executive director or education and children’s services, said the plan was to get teachers back in June, along with some small groups to begin the transitional work – but nothing could happen until the Scottish Government lifts lockdown restrictions.
She said: “We are working really hard to get pupils back to school. It isn’t easy because we have never been here before. We want the best for Fife to deliver a blended model after the summer holidays where young people learn at home and in school.”
The education boss said officers had been studying how Denmark and Norway re-started their school systems after the pandemic and wanted to build confidence among parents and pupils it was safe to return, albeit to a very different set up.
“Learning will continue from home,” she said. “At school, pupils will also have to sit apart to observe social distancing. They will have to practice 2metres apart. We know some children might not know what that is, so we want parents to help.
“Younger children will not be expected to stay 2metres apart, and we are awaiting further Scottish Government guidance on this.”
The message to wash your hands will also be central to re-opening schools. Pupils will be expected to observe good hand hygiene when leaving home and also when reporting to class.”
Added Carrie: “We are keen to see young people back in school. We hope the advice will allow us to bring staff back in June along with small groups to do some transitional work, but we do not have Scottish Government approval to to that.
“We are working really hard to see them back.”
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