THE First Minister has revealed details on how pupils will start returning to school this month during her weekly update to the Scottish Parliament.

Nicola Sturgeon said that from March 15, unless circumstances change, all children in P4-7 will return.

It is hoped that from this date there will also be a phased return to secondary school, with the aim of all secondary school pupils being back on a full-time basis after Easter.

Primary school children will also be able to return to childcare like after-school and breakfast clubs.

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In high schools, pupils in S4-6 who are taking national qualifications will have priority face-to-face lessons in schools, though it is expected that all secondary school pupils will receive some in-school education each week. 

Secondary school pupils will be asked to wear face coverings at all times, while twice-weekly lateral flow testing for all school staff and pupils in S4-6.

"I would encourage as many staff and senior phase pupils as possible to use the tests when they return to school," the First Minister said.

Sturgeon went on: "The phased approach to school return can be frustrating, I know. But it is necessary and it is firmly based on the expert advice that we have received.

"It is the best, and also the most sustainable and enduring, way to get as many children back to school as possible, as safely as possible."

The National:

The decisions follow consultation with Cosla and local authorities; discussions with the Education Recovery Group; and scientific advice from the advisory subgroup on education and children’s issues, the First Minister said. She added that advice will be published tomorrow.

Children in P1-3 are already back at school, as are some secondary pupils who require access to practical work. 

The First Minister also revealed a new piece of guidance for parents of newborn children. 

"There are currently a number of essential purposes – for example essential care – which enable us to go into someone else’s house," Sturgeon explained. 

This will be amended today to "make it clear that those essential purposes include support for the welfare and well-being of a parent of a child who is under the age of one".

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The First Minister hopes this will provide parents of young children with some clarity. 

Completing her statement in Holyrood, Sturgeon said she would set out her plans for easing lockdown beyond April 26 in two weeks. 

"I have always said if we can go further and faster, then we will not hesitate to do so," she told the Parliament.

"All of us want to move on as quickly as possible - and, as a priority, to see friends and family again. I hope that day is now not too far away.

"But to make sure, we don’t see any reverse in our progress that would put that in jeopardy, it is really important that, for now, we all need to abide by the lockdown rules."