With most schools closed and the exam diet cancelled, the Covid-19 pandemic has presented a huge challenge to practitioners and our education system, but the sector has responded with extraordinary dedication and with a focus on serving the interests of the children and young people they know best.

So, I want today to say thank you to each and every one of you for going above and beyond to support your pupils in these extraordinary times.

While I am not currently able to meet teachers as regularly as I used to, I am in daily discussions with those working in the sector on the recovery effort, so I continue to hear firsthand both the issues and opportunities this situation presents and what the profession is grappling with to ensure continuity of learning during the lockdown. Now, our focus must be on the next phase and working to allow primary and secondary pupils to return to school from August.

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The decision to reopen schools was not taken lightly. It is based on extensive and exhaustive discussion with councils, unions and parents groups and is guided by the advice of the chief medical officer and public health experts.

The Scottish government has published a summary of the scientific evidence that has informed our discussions and decisions to date. It has led us towards taking a cautious approach and for that reason, we will continue to monitor the evidence and advice and use it to inform decisions on further changes to restrictions. Our expectation is that our initial, precautionary approach to physical distancing in schools should be capable of being eased as soon as the evidence supports this.

Of course, teaching, learning and support will need to be delivered in different ways for different groups of children. A fresh approach is needed for those attending school and for those who will be educated at home, through distance learning and online learning.

Teachers will, I am certain, prioritise the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of pupils and wish to reassure and keep them calm, nurtured and cared for. The good health and wellbeing of children and young people are fundamental to ensuring they engage effectively in their learning and teachers will focus on ensuring as much dialogue as possible with pupils, reaching out to them, building relationships and resilience in what is an anxious time.

Over the last two months, there has been a huge amount of good work to deliver education remotely to children and young people through digital and other means.

I recognise that has not been easy, and that digital exclusion has been an issue for some of our most disadvantaged learners. That is why we are investing £9 million to provide 25,000 free laptops, with internet access included if required, to disadvantaged children and young people to study online. This is part of the first phase of our £30 million commitment to support digital learning outside school through the provision of appropriate devices.

It is important to stress that there will be regional variation in the approach to implementation. It is for councils to work with teachers and put in place the best solutions locally. Within clear national guidelines, councils are currently preparing local phasing delivery plans to look at these issues.

Creating this practical blueprint was a team effort and that team spirit will be needed to make this next phase a success. The plans to reopen schools have been agreed with the Education Recovery Group, which includes representatives from local authorities, teachers’ organisations and trade unions. My thanks to them all for helping develop this strategic approach to the response and recovery of the education system.

These discussions were underpinned by a determination that in challenging times we ensure that the delivery of childcare, early learning and education maintains a strong focus on excellence and equity for all.

While this next phase will not be easy, if we can build on what has been achieved by the profession so far, I am sure that collectively we can ensure the safety of young people and practitioners and get our young people learning alongside their fellow pupils again.

John Swinney is Scotland’s education secretary and deputy first minister