NICOLA Sturgeon has revealed teachers and lecturers involved in awarding national qualifications this year will be given a one-off payment of £400.
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament this afternoon, the First Minister confirmed the payment and added that two days will be set aside for teachers to “work on assessments” this year.
Higher, Advanced Higher and National 5 exams have already been cancelled in Scotland’s schools, meaning pupils’ final grades will be based on their teacher’s judgements.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon update: Schools to begin reopening from Monday
During today’s update Sturgeon announced that some pupils would be returning to schools from Monday, but this change will need to be closely monitored.
It is unlikely that schools be opened further before March 15, she explained.
From February 22 pre-school children, pupils in primaries 1, 2 and 3, and a limited number of senior phase students who need access to schools for practical work, will return.
From that same date there will be increased school provision for vulnerable children – “specifically those with the most significant additional support needs”, Sturgeon said.
When schools return more fully the Scottish Government will be making at-home lateral flow tests available to pupils, teachers and school staff twice a week.
Meanwhile, secondary pupils will be required to observe two-metre distancing in school and on school transport.
To help schools with the updated safety guidance the Government will provide an additional £40 million to local authorities and schools, as part of a wider £100m package for school recovery.
READ MORE: Covid in Scotland: Another 49 deaths announced in latest update
The First Minister went on: “The National Qualifications 2021 Group will soon publish further details on how qualifications will be awarded this year – in a way which fairly reflects pupils’ experience of remote learning
“We have also decided that all teachers and lecturers involved in awarding national qualifications this year will receive a one-off payment of £400.
“This will be paid to part-time teachers on a pro rata basis. And two days will be set aside for teachers to work on assessments this year.
“Further details concerning the payment, and these assessment support days, will be provided in due course.”
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