Coronavirus (COVID 19): Advisory Sub-Group on Education and Children’s Issues minutes: 22 September 2020

Items and actions

The sub-group considered the research review update from Public Health Scotland and praised its thorough approach.  Members noted that, as yet, there appeared to be a lack of formal evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on children and young people’s mental and physical health.   

The sub-group discussed some of the operational practicalities associated with heating and ventilation within school buildings, including the wider balance of risks, the need to promote local solutions, links between temperature and attainment and achieving adequate ventilation on school transport. 

The sub-group considered the risks associated with the re-opening of residential respite care for children.  They noted the extensive work that had already been undertaken to support re-opening, the high quality measures in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 already introduced within the sector, the context of overall risk, and supported the careful approach taken.

The sub-group considered the role of children in COVID-19 virus transmission, and asked for the research (including on the age at which young people begin to mimic adults in transmission) to be considered by the sub-group at the earliest opportunity.