Nearly all pupils in Perth and Kinross will spend a minimum of 40% of the school week in class, education chiefs have confirmed.
Measures to ensure physical distancing and keep students safe will mean a reduced capacity in schools across the region.
Each school has been working on its own revised timetable based on a number of factors including space, pupil roll, staffing and transport.
The council’s executive director of education and children’s services Sheena Devlin said the plans focused on maximising the amount of time young people could spend in school.
“All of our planning has been guided by the key principles identified by the Scottish Government that put our children and young people at the heart of consideration,” she said.
“All children will get high-quality teaching in school complemented by home learning, which is not solely dependent on digital access. Teachers will have time available to support home learning remotely and schools will communicate their individual arrangements with parents.”
Ms Devlin said: “To make sure schools can safely accommodate as many pupils as possible, they will, wherever possible, utilise other spaces and outdoor areas.”
Schools will contact parents and carers directly about their individual plans before the end of the current school term.
The school day may look different, with staggered starts, breaks, lunch and finishing times.
Transport will also be subject to all safety and physical distancing guidance. On Saturday, we revealed that capacity on school buses will have to be reduced by three-quarters – the equivalent of around 3,000 pupils.
Concessionary school travel – for families who are not automatically entitled to free places on school buses – is also being scrapped.
Ms Devlin added: “Schools re-opening is part of the phase three exit of lockdown and we are aware this could mean more parents and carers may be returning to work.
“We appreciate how difficult these circumstances may be for many families. The re-opening of many childcare providers will increase childcare options for those who need it.”
Plans may be modified as national guidance changes.
Ms Devlin said: “There are a large number of variables, including changes to national guidance, so arrangements may continue to change, perhaps at short notice.
“I would, once again, like to thank everyone for their support and patience as we continue to develop our plans for re-opening our schools in August.”
