West Lothian Council schools and early learning centres will be closed to pupils and children after Friday 20 March until further notice following government advice.
We do not currently know how long schools will be closed for, and will make sure parents/carers are kept updated with developments.
All parents/carers will receive a letter from their school, detailing arrangements that have been put in place covering how young people can continue learning during the closure period.
Our priority is health and wellbeing and maintaining learning and teaching.
A small number of schools will be used to provide for limited numbers of pupils in specific groups, such as vulnerable children, children of key workers and those senior pupils who still have to complete course work for national qualifications. Further details of arrangements regarding this will be publicised when they are confirmed.
Local arrangements are being put in place for those entitled to free school lunches to ensure lunches and breakfast bars are available during the school closure period. Parents/carers will receive a groupcall giving them details of the arrangements in their local area.
Special cleaning arrangements and social distancing measures will be in all schools being used to safeguard pupils and staff.
Procedures will remain in place to ensure vulnerable children are safeguarded over the extended closure period, as currently takes place during school holidays.
This situation is constantly evolving. We understand you will have a lot of questions, but it is unlikely that we can answer individual questions from individual parents at this time.
When we have information to share it will be made via groupcall and available on the council's website and social media channels.
You can help keep yourself informed by checking these sources of information regularly.
Doctor Elaine Cook
Depute Chief Executive
West Lothian Council
