Schools are set to gradually reopen across Ayrshire later in the month after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's announcement this week.

North Ayrshire

Schools will reopen from August 10 in North Ayrshire with further details and arrangements annouced next week.

A statement from Education Heads of Service Caroline Amos and Andrew McClelland said: "We are happy to confirm all schools and early learning and childcare centres will reopen to all children and young people in the week beginning August 10.

"All of the staff in North Ayrshire Education Service look forward to seeing the children and young people again and welcoming them back. We have missed them.

"There will be a range of additional measures in place in our schools and centres to ensure enhanced personal hygeine and rigorous cleaning regimes will be in operation.

"We understand you and your child may be anxious about the return to school and we will do all we can to reassure you." 

East Ayrshire

Schools will be open from Wednesday, August 12 with a “soft start” over that week and individual schools will confirm their own specific arrangements about which children should attend each day.

This is to make sure that the new safety and hygiene arrangements in each school are understood by young people, staff, parents and carers.

All pupils will return full-time on Monday, August 17.

Further details will be published on Tuesday, August 4 followed by individual school communications, following consultation with headteachers, teaching unions and the parent council steering group.

Linda McAulay-Griffiths, head of education at East Ayrshire Council said:“We were delighted to receive the guidance issued today by the Scottish Government in respect of return of schools and our teams are working hard across the council to ensure that all of our schools and Early Childhood Centres are checked, safe and ready to welcome our young people.

"Our statement on Tuesday, August 4 will furnish parents and carers with further detail in all regards, including the return of children to early learning and childcare and we once again re-iterate what a joy it will be to see our young people again in our schools and Early Childhood Centres.”

South Ayrshire

In South Ayrshire schools will reopen on Wednesday, August 12, but in most schools the first three days will be a phased return, before all pupils will return full time from Monday, August 17.  

This is to allow staff to test new arrangements such as safe pick up and drop off; one way systems; hand washing; break times; social distancing for adults and between adults and children.

Schools will be in touch confirming who should attend on the August 12, 13 and 14. 

A spokesperson said: "Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to welcoming our children and young people back to school."