Shetland Islands Council’s Children’s Services Department is closing some of its schools and early learning and childcare settings to children and young people from Monday 16 March to Friday 20 March 2020.
This action is not being taken for public health reasons but for operational and resilience reasons, and reflects Shetland’s unique, island setting.
Fair Isle Primary School, Fetlar Primary School and Foula Primary School will remain open for children and young people.
All schools will remain open for staff.
Children’s Services will be issuing further information to parents and carers at the start of next week, which will include information about learning that can be done at home, and electronic communication between children and schools during the closure period.
There will also be follow-up communication from schools for parents and carers of children with complex additional support needs early next week.
The implications for young people in the Senior Phase with forthcoming SQA assessments and examinations are being considered carefully and further information around this will follow at the start of next week.
Helen Budge, Director – Children’s Services said:
“During this COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken this decision, not specifically for public health, but for operational and resilience reasons.
“We are already seeing significant levels of pupil and staff absence.
“We realise that this will have an impact on working parents and carers but hope that they will understand and support this decision.”
