The School Bubble Maker

Swinney looks at plan to keep kids in clusters to halt flare-ups

- Paul Hutcheon

Groups of pupils could be separated into “bubbles” when they return to school after the holidays next month.

The Scottish Government is examining safety options which would keep classes or whole years apart. It follows similar proposals unveiled by the UK Government for schools in England.

Education Secretary John Swinney initially suggested schooling would resume on August 11 using a blended learning model, in which kids would be educated at home and school.

It was ditched after a parental backlash and Swinney backed a return to full-time schooling, with no physical distancing.

The Daily Record can reveal the Scottish Government and key stakeholders are looking at ways of guarding against coronavirus by keeping pupils apart.

In England, the Government is considering a “bubble” plan as a way of minimising contacts.

The guidance for England states: “The overarching principle to apply is reducing the number of contacts between children and staff.