Latest Covid rules for schools as pupils return to the classroom amid Omicron surge

South Ayrshire schools returned this week from winter break to an already brighter start to the year than last year’s online learning.

January 2022 has seen classes starting back on time and in person, as pupils hunker down to start a new term.It comes as Scotland recorded record numbers of Covid cases during the festive period.South Ayrshire Council have confirmed that all schools in the area are open and that “there is no remote learning at the moment.” Concerns have been raised nationally about the number of staff absences in various industries, and the council are currently unable to say how many teachers and pupils are off because of Covid.But have stated this data is set to be collected as part of a national survey next week.

With pupils settling back into the classroom, Ayrshire Live has put together a reminder of Covid-19 rules in schools: •All secondary school pupils are being urged to take a lateral flow test (LFTs) two times per week and record their results online whether they be positive, negative or void.•Test kits should be provided by schools with throat and nose test kits as well as nasal only tests made available.•Secondary pupils are required to wear a face mask in school most of the time, including in classrooms, communal areas and when moving around the school, and encouraged to maintain physical distancing from each other.•Teachers and staff are also required to remain one metre away from kids and other staff members.•Secondary pupils who use school transport will also need to wear a face mask during journeys.•And those aged 12-15 are being encouraged to come forward for their second coronavirus jab.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now.Get all the local news in your area – plus