Nicola Sturgeon lockdown statement: Next phased school return to come mid-March, says First Minister

The First Minister announced that all primary school pupils and some secondary pupils will hopefully go back to school in Scotland on March 15 with a complete school return planned by April 5.

Addressing Parliament today, Ms Sturgeon said that a next phase of easing on March 15 will hopefully see the rest of primary school pupils in years 4-7 return to school and more secondary school pupils going back to classes for certain aspects of their learning.

Ms Sturgeon also gave April 5 as the date the Government aim to see a final phase of school return to take place.

The news comes after pupils in primaries 1-3 returned to school and children returned to early learning and childcare settings across Scotland yesterday.

Nicola Sturgeon sets out when a full return to school will be for Scotland (Photo by Andy Buchanan / AFP).

Some secondary school students are also back to school for essential practical work with a small number of college and university students back in where face to face teaching is critical.

Speaking today, the First Minister said: “The next phase of easing will be a minimum of 3 weeks later, so indicatively from 15 March.

"We hope this will include the next phase of school return - which will start with the rest of the primary school years, 4 to 7, and getting more senior phase secondary pupils back in

the classroom for at least part of their learning.

"We also hope to restart outdoors non contact group sports for 12 - 17 year olds in this phase.

“And then a minimum of 3 weeks after that - so from 5 April - it is our hope that the stay at home restriction will be lifted.

“We would aim for any final phase of school return to take place on this date.”

The First Minister noted that she will set out the mid March school return next week.

Addressing questions today on who will return to school in mid-March, Ms Sturgeon said she anticipates this will include all primary school pupils and a return of as many senior pupils the Government deem it is safe to do, however noted that further work is needed to set this out in more detail.

Ms Sturgeon said the Government will consider how a return fits in with the Easter Holidays.

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