SCHOOL pupils living in a Level 4 Covid restriction area are more likely to be disadvantaged by self-isolation than those in Levels 1 or 2, councillors in West Dunbartonshire have been told.

There have been 117 recorded cases in education settings in the area, and approximately 1,873 pupils and staff identified as close contacts who have had to quarantine.

There will be no National 5 exams this year and the SQA will bring further clarity on the work that learners need to complete in subject areas.

The issue was discussed at West Dunbartonshire’s full council meeting last week, when Labour councillor David McBride raised several issues regarding schooling.

He said: “Pupils in a [Level] 4 area are likely to be more involved in self isolation than pupils in [Level] 2. We know that our pupils are more likely to be disadvantaged by self-isolation.

“I don’t underestimate for a second the work that has been done with regards to sanitisers, one-way systems and mask wearing from fourth year upwards.

“But my main concern on that is all these mitigations won’t stop human contact within schools, where there is a 100 per cent human contact.

“We don’t have that in any other part of society – there is a reduction of human contact. I think it commendable what the schools are doing.”

Laura Mason, chief education officer, advised that discussions were ongoing in this area.

She said: “We have an education recovery group which is chaired by the First Minister. I have raised the very point you made there about it not being a level playing field.

“If you are living in an area with high levels of Covid, you are going to be more affected.”