Scottish schools have been given the go-ahead to resume school trips this term, according to new government guidance.

However, residential trips and international trips are not recommended, with the government guidance warning staff and pupils could be stranded abroad and may have to quarantine unexpectedly upon their return.

The guidance also warns that even residential trips in Scotland could result in pupils and staff “having difficulties leaving the residential setting” if a local outbreak of coronavirus occurs.

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The guidance states: “In the autumn term, if they wish to, schools can resume non-overnight domestic educational visits, as long as all risk assessments and information gathering...have been undertaken and used to reach a robust, evidence-based decision on the balance of risk involved in the trip going ahead.”

The risks of an overnight stay away is seen to be greater, however, and the guidance recommends residential trips and international educational visits do not take place.

It says: “Residential domestic school trips are...not recommended at this time, as the risks of transmission on a residential school trip are seen to be greater than the potential benefits to children and young people.

“Once there is a greater understanding about the virus and viral transmission, these domestic residential trips can be reintroduced in an incremental manner. However, it is anticipated that this initial planning will not commence until later in the school year.”

On international trips, it highlights that countries can be removed from the “air bridge” at “short notice” - as of 4am today Scots arriving from Greece will have to isolate for 14 days.

The guidance continues: “Adding to the risks inherent in domestic residential trips...the risk of taking a group of pupils and teachers abroad and potentially having to remain in that country for longer than planned or undertake an unplanned quarantine on return should not be underestimated.

“Such an outcome would impact significantly, not just on pupils but on teaching staff who would be unable to attend work. Furthermore, it is also unlikely that travel insurers would provide cover in respect of Covid-19 for any new or pre-planned international visits currently.” 

“As a result, we continue to advise against schools undertaking international visits at this time.”

Click here to read the guidance in full.