Call to 'pandemic proof' Scotland's classrooms

Teachers and school staff should be given priority status in a vaccine booster programme as part of a plan to "pandemic proof" Scotland's classrooms.

Scottish Labour outlined a series of measures including increased testing in schools and better ventilation ahead of the return to school next month.

The party said its plan aimed to reduce the risk of further disruption to young people's learning and keep schools safe. 

There have been a number of outbreaks linked to schools across Scotland, forcing pupils and their families to self-isolate.

According to research published by the London School of Economics (LSE) last week, pupils in Scotland lost an average of 64 days of school over the last year, raising concerns over what researchers called a "scarring effect".

Scottish Labour called for greater clarity to be given to schools, their staff, pupils and their families regarding the return to school after the summer break.

The party's education spokesperson, Michael Marra, said: "Scotland is now four weeks from the start of the new school term and none of the strategic decisions necessary have been communicated to education authorities, headteachers and parents.

"Clear and timely communication is vital if we are to avoid the chaos that has marked the Scottish Government's handling of education throughout the pandemic.

"We must always be guided by the science, and these additional measures are based on lessons learned during the pandemic so far. 

"From testing, to vaccines and ventilation, this is a robust plan of action. Not only is it necessary to first and foremost keep pupils and staff safe, but it will also help reduce the disruption to schooling which has been significant since the outbreak of COVID-19."