Teaching and learning will be delivered remotely across North Ayrshire until at least February following the introduction of a fresh lockdown.

It comes after the Scottish Government introduced tighter restrictions and ordered people to stay at home as they battle to contain the new, faster-spreading strain of coronavirus.  

Schools across the country will stay closed until next month at the earliest having originally planned to reopen on January 18 with only children of key workers and those who require more support able to attend the classroom.

Teachers across the region will use online and traditional paperbased resources to ensure pupils continue to receive support and learning during lockdown.

Children who are eligible for free school meals in North Ayrshire will continue to receive them with vouchers or cash being provided to ensure they don’t miss out.

Councillor John Bell, cabinet member for education, said: “We understand this is an uncertain and challenging time for our school staff, parents/carers and young people.

“We want to ensure our children and young people continue to learn therefore, our teachers will be delivering online learning as well as using traditional resources to ensure everyone, regardless of whether they are in school or at home, can access education.  Support will be available to ensure we are meeting the needs of all our children and young people.”