Rachael Hamilton MSP and John Lamont MP have called for an SNP U-turn to bring forward the dates when more pupils can start to return to school.
Following the First Minister’s statement yesterday, there was confusion after it emerged that the schools return date (5th April) fell at the start of the Easter holidays.
Both Borders politicians are calling for a safe phased return to begin much earlier than the true return date of April 19th, citing concerns that children are missing out on vital face-to-face learning.
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross has also said the plan for ending restriction is so delayed that the SNP are likely to publish their Referendum Bill before the routemap.
It was outlined yesterday that a more detailed plan wouldn’t be published until at least the middle of March, with the country returning to a revised tiered system in late April.
Today however, the First Minister appeared to backtrack on the original plans, suggesting that some areas could return to Level 2 sooner. She also failed to answer questions on the return dates of school pupils.
Mrs Hamilton and Mr Lamont have criticised the SNP for putting a “roadmap” to another independence referendum first, following comments from a SNP Minister Mike Russell who said their Referendum Bill will be brought forward by mid-March.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“The routemap yesterday provided little detail and no reassurance as to when we will see normality in the Borders.
“It completely lacked optimism, and does nothing to clarify what will happen at the end of April.
“It looks as if there is more of a timetable coming together on independence through the controversial Referendum Bill, than the routemap out of the pandemic.
“Sturgeon appeared to backtrack today, suggesting that there might be a loosening of restrictions with moving areas to Level 2, but that doesn’t resolve the issue with schools returning.
“The SNP’s priorities are all over the place, and this becomes evident every day that passes.
“We need to see a safe, phased return progress more quickly, with better testing for staff and older pupils”.
John Lamont MP said:
“Teachers are doing a fantastic job of providing education remotely. It has been great to hear from parents who are highlighting their local schools going above and beyond when kids are unable to attend in person. However, I don’t think anyone would dispute how challenging it has been for teachers and pupils alike.
“The Inspire Learning programme from Scottish Borders Council, which has delivered iPads to pupils across the Scottish Borders, was much derided. However, the foresight of the Conservative led administration has ensured SBC was one of the most prepared for remote education in the country.
“That being said, I think pupils, parents and teachers agree that there is no substitute to classroom teaching and getting students back as quickly as possible needs to be a priority.
“I think more needs to be done to ensure all pupils get back into school before mid-April.”