NICOLA STURGEON is under increasing pressure to take coronavirus-related measures in schools after her government decided not to extend pupils’ festive break. 

The First Minister was quizzed by MSPs today on how ministers will respond to the continuing pressures on pupils and staff. 

The government confirmed that there would be no extended nationwide shutdown of schools. 

Education Secretary John Swinney had previously claimed that teachers “might still be dealing with the implications of contact tracing as late as Christmas Eve or perhaps even on Christmas Day.”

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) warned that the announcement will anger teachers, with general secretary Larry Flanagan accusing ministers of showing a “complete disregard for the concerns and welfare” of workers.

Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie raised the decision with Ms Sturgeon, calling for the evidence behind it to be shared.  

“Concerns are still being raised about the impact the five-day relaxation for Christmas will have on the spread of the virus, so it’s important we know what has led to this late decision,” he said.

Mr Harvie added that it was clear “the ship has sailed” on holding exams this year, with the insistence that these would take place continuing to cause anxiety among pupils.

“Young people have experienced enough stress and anxiety this year to last a lifetime. And, as is so often the case, those from the most deprived communities are being disproportionately affected.” 

Ms Sturgeon replied that the government had considered carefully the issue of school holidays and the advice reflected the difficulty of the decision. 

The SNP leader also said that she recognised the concerns over exams, adding: “We ideally want Higher and Advanced Higher exams to proceed.”