INVERCLYDE schools are facing drastic changes as pupils get set to go back part-time - with concerns growing about the impact it will have on children and their families.

Education bosses have announced plans to get kids back in to classrooms in August following the coronavirus outbreak shutdown.

But there is unease over the curtailed in-class timetable, with primary children in school only two days a week and parents worried about how they will juggle home schooling with a return to workplaces as the lockdown is eased.

With strict social distancing measures remaining in place for the foreseeable future, schools are now busy altering classroom layouts to meet guidelines.

All local schoolchildren will be split into two groups with an alternating model of class time and home learning introduced.

But concerns have today been raised by a concerned councillor over the details of the plan.

Independent representative Lynne Quinn wants to know what guidelines and support will be in place for mums and dads who will have to continue to provide home schooling.

She says education bosses must also look at using other public facilities like the Beacon and community centres, to create extra space and give pupils more time in class.

Cllr Quinn said: "I have had lots of feedback from parents.

"This will have a big impact on families, they will struggle with child care.

"I worry about the impact it will have on women in particular.

"Even those working part-time might have to give up work to home school their children.

"I think we should aim for getting younger children in at least 50 per cent of the week, the same as high school.

"We need to look at other options.

"I know it comes down to cost but let's ask the Scottish Government for funding.

"We have the Beacon, community centres and leisure facilities lying empty - can we use them for drama, music and PE?

"We are now in position where parents are co-educators during school hours.

"What guidance and support will they get to do this?"

Pupils will begin returning to classrooms on Wednesday August 12, having been out of school since March.

A 'blended model' of school and home-based learning is being introduced.

Under the new regime, primary children will attend class two days a week and secondary students will be in for a total of five days across a two-week period.

All pupils will be allocated specific days to go to school.

Playgrounds will open an hour before teaching begins and close 60 minutes afterwards, to help with the phased return and assist parents with childcare arrangements.

The council says they will be notified directly about the specific arrangements for their child.

While high schools will be open five days a week primaries will be shut on Wednesdays to allow for planning.

Education convenor Councillor Jim Clocherty said: “The reopening of schools whilst adhering to government coronavirus safety regulations is an extremely difficult and complex task.

“Plans are evolving and there will inevitably be issues along the way but they are designed with the best interests of pupils, their families, and staff at heart."