For many youngsters across Tayside and Fife, this week will mark the beginning of their schools days.
But as they prepare the head off to primary school for the first time, many parents and carers may be wondering if staff will be required to wear protective equipment.
According to the Scottish Government, the use of PPE by staff within schools should be based on a clear assessment of risk and need for an individual child or young person, such as personal care, where staff come into contact with blood and body fluids or lift children and young people.
We take a look across Courier Country to see what plans are in place.
Dundee
The use of PPE across primary schools in the city will be down to the individual setting but where a young pupil requires personal care, it is anticipated staff will be provided protective equipment to wear.
A Dundee City Council spokesman said: “If personal care is required for a child, this would be part of a risk assessment and full PPE would be provided and worn.”
Angus
Similar to Dundee, schools across the Angus region will have their own risk assessments in place to determine when the use of PPE will be appropriate.
A spokesman for Angus Council said: “The Scottish Government has provided set guidance in relation to schools carrying out risk assessments for using PPE if personal care needed and it is then a matter for each individual school to make arrangements at a local level to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all concerned.”
Perth and Kinross
Guidance previously issued by the local authority indicated that the use of PPE will be required in a “very small set of circumstances” which includes if the care of children involves two members of staff who require to be in close contact for more than 15 minutes.
These circumstances will include when staff are dealing with younger pupils in a personal setting and assisting pupils who have been identified as needing personal care.
In a statement, a spokeswoman for the local authority said: “Perth & Kinross Council has published guidance on providing personal care to younger children and to children who require this support as part of their personal care plan.
“Where necessary, PPE will be used by staff who are assisting children and young people.”
Fife
General guidance issued by Fife Council recommends that adults wear masks if they are going to be close to someone (within two-metres, face-to-face) for longer than 15 minutes.
But at least one school has issued specific advice on the personal care of pupils, including dealing with accidents that would require first aid attention.
In a letter to parents and carers, Carol Wyse, the head of Kinghorn Primary School, said: “Staff will continue to wear single use gloves for First Aid. They will also wear a single use apron and in some cases may also wear a face mask and eye protection depending on the type of injury being treated.
“Staff will use similar PPE when carrying out personal care.”
The letter also outlined how Kinghorn pupils will be allowed to bring any items needed for personal care such as wipes and a change of clothing if they are prone to toileting accidents.
