Back to school in Highland 2021
17th August 2021
Schools across Highland welcome pupils and staff back to classrooms today Tuesday, 17 August 2021. Staff have worked to make sure COVID-19 safety measures are in place and in line with national guidance.
Chair of the Council's Education Committee, Cllr John Finlayson said: "I would like to offer a warm welcome to all of our new pupils and staff who are joining our schools this year, and to everyone returning from a very well deserved summer break following a challenging school year.
"Although we are in a better position with COVID-19 than this time last year, it is important to be mindful that coronavirus is still present within our communities. There have been recent positive changes as we have moved beyond Level 0 nationally and in schools, we can bring back some participatory activities. However, we must continue to follow the COVID-19 rules and guidance, which are in place to help protect each other as best as we can, both inside and outside of school."
The Scottish Government updated their Covid-19 guidance on reducing the risks in schools. This guidance includes some positive changes for this term as children and young people can now engage in all drama, music, physical education, and dance activity in schools. However, some COVID-19 safety mitigations will continue to remain in place. See https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-reducing-the-risks-in-schools/
Face coverings should be worn in the following circumstances unless you are exempt:
In primary schools, face coverings should be worn by adults where physical distancing with other adults, children, and young people cannot be maintained and when moving around the building or indoor communal spaces.
In secondary schools, face coverings should be worn at all times for all staff and pupils.
In line with the updated guidance for public transport, individuals aged 12 and over when travelling on dedicated school transport.
Physical distancing of at least 1m between adults, and between adults and pupils, will remain in place for the time being. Children and young people do not need to social distance from one another; however, it is encouraged between secondary school pupils where possible.
Pupils who were previously asked to shield are expected to return to school unless they have been advised by medical practitioners that they are unfit to do so.
Importantly, if you have symptoms of the virus, you should not attend school and should book a PCR test. There are new rules on self-isolation for close contacts of anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 which can be found on our webpage.
Find out further information, access resources and support at www.highland.gov.uk/backtoschool
Related Businesses
Related Articles
The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time. It is not intended to imply that any individual route is entirely snow and ice free and drivers must be aware that conditions can change rapidly and make their own assessment of conditions for travelling.
The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time. It is not intended to imply that any individual route is entirely snow and ice free and drivers must be aware that conditions can change rapidly and make their own assessment of conditions for travelling.
The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time. It is not intended to imply that any individual route is entirely snow and ice free and drivers must be aware that conditions can change rapidly and make their own assessment of conditions for travelling.
Households across Scotland have received £4.1 billion in relief since the Council Tax Reduction scheme was introduced in 2013. People on low incomes are eligible for the benefit if they live in Scotland - there is no equivalent in England where most councils require each household to contribute a minimum amount of council tax, irrespective of ability to do so.
The Highland Council is preparing to carry out improvement works in Thurso at Ormlie Road and at The Mall riverside path adjacent to Janet Street. The scope of works on Ormlie Road will include junction improvements between Castlegreen Road and Juniper Drive with new drop kerbs and tactile paving and some surface repairs.
A Highland-wide partnership launched earlier in 2024 to support people on their journey towards, into and within employment is looking forward to a New Year in 2025 full of exciting opportunities designed to help hundreds more people across the Highlands unlock their work potential. Work.
The Highland Council is delighted to share that its Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme has won the Outstanding Project Award at the Scottish Green Energy Awards. Described by Scottish Renewables as a "pioneering clean power scheme", this £7 million project demonstrates the incredible impact that can be achieved through combined public and private sector investment.
The ambitious yet focused ‘Highland Investment Plan' is committed to addressing our asset challenges over the next twenty years. By using a place based approach, to ensure a more integrated community offering through the creation of new community facilities.
Applications to the Inverness Winter Payments Scheme, which is fully funded by the Inverness Common Fund, have already been awarded to 1,035 eligible households within the 7 specified Inverness Wards. Leader of Inverness Area, Councillor Ian Brown said: "Since the Scheme was opened to applications for this winter, already £114,885 has been awarded to people who live in the eligible Wards of Aird and Loch Ness, Inverness West, Inverness Central, Inverness Ness-side, Inverness Millburn, Culloden and Ardersier and Inverness South Wards.
The first Highland-wide virtual jobs fair held last month has proved to be a hit with participants and businesses. The week-long virtual event, which was delivered by the Local Employability Partnership for the West - The Highland Council, Skills Development Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Department for Work and Pensions, Developing the Young Workforce and UHI North West and Hebrides was timed to coincide with Scottish Careers Week 2024.
