Scotland’s Education Minister, John Swinney, announced yesterday, 19th of March that SQA exams will not take place this year.

All schools and nurseries which will be closed from today, Friday, will likely not be opened before the summer.

Instead of exams the SQA will put in place a certification model using coursework, teacher assessment of estimated grades and prior attainment. Schools will inform pupils and parents how this will happen.

Arrangements will be made for vulnerable children and those of key workers. Private nurseries are to be supported to help deliver the child care which will insure that they will continue to have an income source but they must give priority to the aforementioned groups.

Access to healthy meals will support vulnerable children and those who access free meals – £70million has been put towards this.

All Chief Social Work Officers have now been asked that special consideration is given to identifying and supporting vulnerable children at increased risk – for example, lone-parents who have become too unwell to look after their children.

In his statement to the Scottish Parliament, John Swinney praised the work being done in Shetland where direct payments and vouchers have been provided to families whose children are entitled to free school meals. Shetland was also praised for establishing  a “hub” arrangement to provide care and support for the children of key workers.

 Scottish Government will continue funding streams which allow contractual payments to private and third sector providers, including childminders, for statutory early learning and childcare hours to continue.  This is worth around £220 million to the sector in the year ahead.

You can read the whole statement here: Coronavirus (COVID19) – impact on Education