NICOLA Sturgeon is set to provide an update to teachers, parents and pupils on the return of in-school learning in Scotland.

The First Minister will make an announcement in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, following a meeting of Cabinet to discuss the issue.

However, the Education Secretary, John Swinney, previously hinted that it would be a “tall order” for schools to return on February 1, hinting that the current arrangements could be extended given the current prevalence of the virus.

Asked last week about the return at the start of February, Mr Swinney told the BBC’s Good Morning Scotland programme: "I think that's a tall order to be honest."

He added: "The government will look at these questions at the Cabinet on Tuesday and the First Minister will give an update to parliament.

“But the virus is still at a very high level in general within society and we took the view that we had to have the level of community transmission suppressed to enable us to protect the NHS."

Currently, the majority of lessons are being provided online from home. 

Some vulnerable pupils and children of key workers are able to attend school. 

The Deputy First Minister made the comments following a number of reported problems last week with Microsoft Teams – the software used for online learning.

He told the BBC programme: "I accept remote learning is a real challenge, particularly for parents who are working as well, but generally it's got off to a very good start."

He added: "The services have been up and running well since Tuesday and we've seen a very significant increase in the usage of Microsoft Teams, which I think illustrates that the teaching profession has spent a great deal more time delivering live learning to young people."