John Swinney to back return to full time schooling in August. "Scottish Labour accused Mr Swinney of "the mother and father of all ministerial climb-downs", with education spokesman Iain Gray saying the government had produced "a completely new plan at the last possible moment".A "trade-off" may be needed in England amid a rise in cases, a scientist advising the government says. Education Secretary John Swinney will make an announcement today on whether to reopen schools on a full-time basis from next month. The Conservative education spokesman said if the Scottish Government fails to achieve this it will be 'a betrayal of parents' trust'.The Deputy First Minister is due to give an update after the Scottish Government reversed plans for blended learning and instead announced it wanted all pupils back in the classroom five days a week after August 11.Conservative education spokesman Jamie Greene said if the Scottish Government fails to achieve this it will be “a betrayal of parents’ trust” that will have a “damning effect on education and our economy”.“The time for ambiguity and dither quite simply is over,” he said.“Mr Swinney must now direct all of Scotland’s councils to reopen schools full-time on August 11 as he promised he would do.”His comments came after parents from across the country contacted both Swinney and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, raising their concerns about the impact lockdown and the closure of schools has had on youngsters.One parent said: “The children are missing out from an academic, social and mental health perspective.”Another asked: “How can I work and rebuild my business and create employment for others and pay taxes if I cannot work full-time?”In correspondence released under freedom of information, another parent said: “Is the assumption that we find people to look after our children or that we give up our jobs?“I am already struggling in finance terms, giving up my job does not help the economy or my role to look after my family and provide for them. Ourexplains more about how we use your data, and your rights. "I don't believe the science justifies "blended learning" or social distancing amongst children. A framed vintage rail travel poster of the Forth Bridge has pride of By Ian Swanson Thursday, 25th June 2020, 9:38 pm In order for the schools to be re-opened in full "infection rates" must be at a low level. If Mr Swinney's vision of a return to normality can be delivered, the politics around it may largely be forgotten.Council umbrella body Cosla said the statement from Mr Swinney was "a significant change in direction".Spokesman Stephen McCabe said local authorities would "work with the Scottish government, trade unions, parent organisations and children and young people representatives to consider the implications and practicalities of a full time return for pupils in August".The EIS union said "a great deal of work at school level has already gone into planning for a blended learning model" and that there would need to be "time to adjust plans and conduct revised risk assessments".General secretary Larry Flanagan said there needed to be "appropriate mitigations" to protect staff and pupils, such as the use of face coverings, "proactive" testing of teachers and physical distancing between pupils and staff.While opposition parties broadly welcomed the move, they were critical of the government's handling of the issue.As recently as 14 June, Mr Swinney had said it was "unlikely" that schools could return to normal within the current school year, suggesting that the The Scottish Conservatives said the "screeching u-turn" had been forced on the government by "relentless campaigning from all quarters" and an "outburst of anger from parents". There were times when it seemed all was hopeless but yet he made it.”Grant praised the lifesaving treatment he received from the staff at Ninewells: “These guys are my heroes.“They’ve masterminded from the beginning getting me back to health and they’ve not only healed my body but they’ve also helped heal my psychology and my spirit as well.”He says he will now applaud the 200 NHS workers that have been involved in his care alone when he leaves hospital next week.“I’m very fortunate to be alive and my heart goes out to other families who have been less fortunate than us.”You've read today's top stories. News. The Deputy First Minister also announced plans to scrap physical distancing between pupils, if the virus continues to be suppressed. John Swinney, the Education Secretary and Deputy First Minister, will make a final announcement next week Credit: WPA Pool/Getty John Swinney has been accused of … Coronavirus: 'We will accept the risks for full-time school' Coronavirus: Sturgeon wants 'normal' schooling back 'as quickly as possible' Coronavirus: School exam timetable could be put back next year
The Deputy First Minister told BBC Radio Scotland: "I had absolutely no inclination this was coming.