Parents say they'll carry on campaigning despite plan for 100 per cent return to school

Demands ‘as relevant as ever’

Schools are due to reopen in Edinburgh on August 12. Photo: bowdenimages

PARENTS who launched a campaign group to press for pupils to get back to school more than one day a week say it will stay in existence to ensure support is provided for young people and contingency plans for blended learning are up to scratch.

Sarah Chisnall helped set up the 50:50 group amid concerns over plans unveiled by Edinburgh City Council for “blended learning” which meant pupils spending just 33 per cent of their time in class - an average of 1.3 days a week.

The parents claimed there was a “postcode lottery” with other areas offering more time in school or better home learning.

The campaign called for a minimum of 50 per cent of time in class, a national standard for home learning, more buildings and teachers to cope with distancing rules, a focus on pupils’ mental health and extra support for children at key stages like P1 and S1.

Just days after the campaign launched Education Secretary John Swinney announced the Scottish Government wanted schools to go back full time and the blended learning model had become a contingency plan.

Ms Chisnall said the group welcomed Mr Swinney’s announcement but were concerned it would not be confirmed until July 30.

And she said: “Our original asks remain as valid as they were before the change of plans was announced.

“Blended learning plans must be put in place and a guaranteed minimum of in-school time should be confirmed by schools as soon as possible.”