Q&A: Aberdeen's education convener on plans to open schools in August

The education convener at Aberdeen City Council admits some children will get to spend more time with teachers than others from August.

The local authority is working on a plan to have youngsters in classes up to a third of the time.

But Councillor John Wheeler says that will not be possible in certain buildings, though he says they are assessing whether they could use other properties and extra staff to boost capacity.

He also says plans could change in the coming months as guidelines are altered.

Mr Wheeler took part in a Q&A with Original 106 to answer some of the pressing questions around plans to return children to school from August.

You can hear Mr Wheeler's answers to each of our questions below.

Q: Can you tell us more about plans that are being put in place for schools to return in Aberdeen in August?

Q: Families want to know how often their children will be able to attend classes, and what the pattern will be. Can you tell parents and pupils what that will look like?

Q: What work are you doing to ensure as many children can attend as many lessons as possible?

Q: Can you elaborate on the idea of using spaces other than schools to boost capacity?

Q: Some have suggested holding some lessons outdoors, where space is not as much of an issue. Is that something you could consider?

Q: Some councils in Scotland have been accused of turning away probationer teachers, despite a possible need for additional staff to boost school capacities. What is the position in Aberdeen?

Q: What arrangements will be made for children who cannot attend schools at all, for any reason?

Q: Many parents may be required to be back at work by August. How will they be expected to balance the demands of their job with looking after children who are spending the majority of their week at home?

Q: There are calls from some councils to reduce the distance required between children from 2m to 1m. Will Aberdeen be pushing for that, in order to increase capacity in schools?

Q: What measures are being put in place to help children with additional support needs to cope with the changes?

Q: There have been some concerns that an exam diet next year may also have to be cancelled because of the restrictions. What is Aberdeen City Council's approach going to be?