Additional costs for reopening Edinburgh schools estimated to be more than £20 million

Additional costs for the reopening of Edinburgh schools in August could amount to more than £20 million, according to new figures.

Council estimates suggest that if all schools reopen at 100 per cent capacity o on August 12, as is currently planned, additional costs for the remainder of the year could reach £20.2 million.

Meanwhile, if council contingency plans are implemented and schools are run so that pupils spend 50 per cent of their time on school grounds, and 50 per cent of their time learning from home or in other council-owned spaces, additional costs for the remainder of the year could rise to £33.6 million.

Whether current or contingency plans are implemented, at least £8.1 million of council funding could be needed specifically to support learning and teaching activities.

If contingency plans go ahead then an extra £13.6 million could be required to support additional teaching staff, teaching spaces and blended learning.

More than 40 council buildings, including libraries and community centres, will be needed for use as extra learning space.

Additional devices for pupils, in excess of the number expected through the existing Scottish Government digital exclusion initiative, could cost £2.1 million under both the current and contingency back to school models.

Meanwhile, the council estimates that the cost of supporting key worker and vulnerable children over the summer holiday period will be £300,000.

When it comes to facilities management, day rangers for additional cleaning and safety measures could cost the council £4.5 million if schools reopen at full capacity.

This figure rises to £9.6 million under the contingency model, with £4.6 million alone being needed to fund school meals, cleaning and health and safety measures for the extra 47 council buildings that would facilitate off-campus learning.

Edinburgh City Council has been in discussions with the Scottish Government to determine who will provide the additional funding needed for either the current or contingency back to school models.

Should the council not be provided with the necessary extra Scottish Government funding, other council budgets will be impacted.

Edinburgh City Council has been approached for comment.