SCOTTISH Borders Council (SBC) has revealed what measures will likely be in place once schools can reopen on August 11.

The range of new measures will include increased handwashing and sanitising throughout schools and clear signage about these rules.

SBC chief executive, Tracey Logan, said: "We don’t know how long some of these arrangements will be required as this all depends on ongoing scientific and health advice."

Although schooldays will run as usual, there is the chance for early starts or finishes for P1 and S1 students who are transitioning into their new schools.

Parents and carers of pupils at Jedburgh Grammar will receive guidance directly from SBC as separate arrangements are in place - in line with normal procedures for the opening of a new school.

Following from Scottish Government advice, schoolchildren will not have to social distance in school and face coverings are not required.

However, the local authority has clarified that any pupil or members of their family exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms are not to attend school.

School transport will also operate as normal from August 11, with no distancing or face covering measures in place.

Parents and carers will receive further guidance on school transport on Monday, August 3.

In her full statement, Ms Logan said: "We have been working on these plans for some time now and can reassure parents, pupils and staff that everything will be in place to make all our Early Years settings and schools as safe as possible.

"This includes significantly enhanced cleaning programmes, staggered break and lunch times for pupils where required and timetable arrangements to minimise pupil movements between classrooms in secondary schools. In line with current guidance, split and shared placements will not take place.

"We don’t know how long some of these arrangements will be required as this all depends on ongoing scientific and health advice. However, we will continually review them to make sure that we are providing the best possible educational opportunities for all our young people whilst meeting the requirements set out in the Scottish Government’s guidance.

"We understand that parents and carers will have a variety of questions and further information and guidance will be published from Monday 3 August.

"It is vital to emphasise that this will not be a return to ‘normal’ and all schools will use the first week as an opportunity to provide a smooth transition to the new arrangements.

"We also recognise that our new P1 and S1 pupils have not had the normal transitional opportunities ahead of the new school year due to COVID-19, so our schools will be doing all they can to support them and parents in the initial week to make the transition as smooth as possible."

Updates will be available on the council website at: www.scotborders.gov.uk/schoolreopening