SCHOOL buses in the Wee County will be travelling with open windows or air conditioning switched on to assist with ventilation.

It is just one measure put in place to mitigate the risks posed by Covid-19 as Clacks school children begin returning to full-time education this week.

Clackmannanshire Council has shared in-depth guidance and details for parents and young people ahead of schools returning.

As previously highlighted, current guidance says there is no need for social distancing between children in schools and the same is true for buses and similar which are regarded as "an extension of the school estate".

The council says bus passes have been issued for the routes that require them and parents are being asked to make sure children sanitise their hands prior to boarding.

Those who would rather escort their own children to school are being encouraged to do so on foot, bike or scooter if possible to reduce congestion.

Meanwhile, enhanced cleaning regimes are in place in both schools and on buses and face coverings are not necessary for children, except for those clinically advised to wear one.

Those who do wish to wear one are allowed to do so.

Children will not be allowed to consume or share food and drink on transport.

They are being encouraged to carry tissues, however, and are asked to travel with their bags on their knees.

If young people, or any member of their household, are showing symptoms of coronavirus they are not allowed to board school transport.

Anyone who develops symptoms at school will be sent home with parents or carers contacted to make safe arrangements to collect the young person.

Those travelling by private hire vehicles or taxis will be asked to sit in the back – specifically the back left if the child is travelling alone.

For pupils with additional support needs, transport arrangements are the same "as a general rule" but individual assessments may be carried out on a child-to-child basis.

In cases where a child requires and escort, those accompanying young people will have to sit one metre away from the driver and pupils where possible.

Face coverings and gloves or the use of hand sanitiser are mandatory for escorts.

Parents and carers can visit bit.ly/2XCqM62 for the full details, including contact details for enquiries, school bus timetables and various request forms.