Scottish Conservative politicians Rachael Hamilton MSP and John Lamont MP are backing their party’s online campaign encouraging the SNP to improve plans for a return to the classroom.
They have highlighted the “open our schools” drive from the party to encourage teachers and parents to make their feelings known to SNP Government ministers over the coming weeks.
The SNP government has faced severe criticism for its plans for “blended learning” which could see youngsters only attend part time.
The campaign states that the proposals are placing the education of an entire generation at risk.
They will also hamper Scotland’s economic recovery, with many parents unable to return to work if their child isn’t regularly attending school.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“This is an opportunity for people across the Borders to make their feelings crystal clear.
“The SNP government needs to get itself back to the drawing board and show a bit more ambition and imagination.
“Our area needs to be given more support from the SNP Government in order to ensure we can open schools more fully.
“Whilst digital participation has been extremely high, children need face-to-face time with their teachers and peers.
“It’s simply not acceptable for some children to only be going back to school once or twice a week.
“That will worsen the already damaging situation of lockdown, and risks leaving children at a disadvantage compared to their contemporaries across the rest of the UK and Europe.”
John Lamont MP said:
“Many parents have been in touch with me with concerns about the Scottish Government’s plans for schools re-opening and how this will work practically.
“The suggested plans for the education of our young people have caused anxiety with many parents unsure as to how they will be able to look after their children when they return to work.
“There are obvious difficulties caused by the coronavirus, but these need to be ironed out as soon as possible to allow children to get back to school.”
