GLASGOW'S education chief has blamed sleepovers and parties for fuelling the spread of Covid-19. 

Maureen McKenna issued a warning to families flouting the ban on indoor gatherings in a letter sent to parents today. 

The telling off came ahead of Glasgow's move to level four restrictions on Friday and amid an ongoing debate about whether or not schools should remain open. 

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The city's director of education wrote: “It has been very disappointing to hear of a small number of families from our schools hosting sleepovers for primary-aged children and social events for groups of teenagers which have resulted in increased numbers testing positive and notable numbers missing out on school due to self-isolation.”

Ms McKenna's letter also informed parents of changes during Level 4, including children no longer being able to do PE indoors.

Glasgow Times: Maureen McKennaMaureen McKenna

She added: "If your child was previously on the shielding list then it is recommended that they do not come to school without a risk assessment which is informed by the clinical team caring for them. 

"You may have already discussed this with the school. If your child does have to remain at home while the area remains in Level 4 then the school will ensure that work is provided for your child and will keep in touch with you during this period. 

"I am sorry to say that there will be no indoor PE while we are in Level 4 and outdoor learning will remain a priority for all our schools and nurseries so please can you ensure that your child comes dressed for all weathers. 

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"I know that this is an anxious and difficult time for everyone. It is really important that we all work together to try to suppress this virus and to help reduce the numbers so that we can return to some kind of normality prior to a vaccine being rolled out. 

"This means that we all need to make sacrifices and that our children will not be able to play as freely as we might wish – but by sticking to the rules they will be able to return to a more normal situation much quicker."

The Scottish Government released figures today claiming only 0.2% of Scots pupils had tested positive for the virus. 

A council spokeswoman added: “Everyone needs to play their part otherwise children and young people will have more disrupted learning when they have to self-isolate as a precaution.

“We know that it’s really difficult – but the small number having sleepovers and house parties resulting in community transmission means that more children and young people are missing lessons when it can be avoided.

“Our education director has written to our families to appeal to them to follow the updated restrictions with the hope of getting back to some sort of normal as quickly as possible which will benefit everyone.”