Education, Children and Young People Committee
Updated Early Learning and Childcare and Schools Guidance
Letter from Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP
Convener
COVID-19 Recovery Committee
The Scottish Parliament
EH99 1SP
Convener
Education, Children and Young People Committee
The Scottish Parliament
EH99 1SP
17 February 2022
Dear Convener,
Updated Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) and Schools Guidance
Further to my letter of 10 February I am now writing to confirm that updated Reducing Risks in Schools guidance, was published this morning.
This update, which is in line with advice from the Advisory Subgroup on Education and Children’s Issues, removes the requirement for pupils and staff to wear face coverings in classrooms along with removing restrictions on assemblies and transition visits from 28 February. Updates have also been published to guidance for the Early Learning and Childcare sector relating specifically to transition visits to schools.
These can be found here:
Guidance for ELC Sector:
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): early learning and childcare services
Guidance for Childminders:
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): childminder services guidance
Guidance for School Age Childcare providers:
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): school age childcare services guidance
The changes have been proactively communicated to all relevant groups, as agreed with the members of the Covid-19 Education Recovery Group and wider stakeholder groups. This includes updates to social media and online platforms, including those hosted by Parent Club and Young Scot and a webinar with clinicians is to be hosted by NPFS and Scottish Government for parents and carers next week.
As always, I will continue to keep you informed of future updates and changes.
Yours sincerely
Shirley-Anne Somerville