SCOTLAND'S Education Secretary has confirmed there will be no change to the Christmas school holidays.

John Swinney made the comments while giving evidence to Holyrood's Covid-19 Committee. 

Discussions had been taking place over potentially extending the holidays due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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A leaked document suggested the break could run from December 18 to January 11.

Holiday arrangements vary across Scotland, with most schools returning between January 5 and 7.

Mr Swinney said: "Being in school is in the best interests of children and our priority remains to ensure schools are safe, and open.

"I want to thank school leaders, teachers and school staff for their outstanding commitment to education that has enabled children and young people to learn safely in school since August.

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"The advice I have received from public health officials, and the Covid-19 sub-group on education and children’s issues, is not to alter Christmas and New Year holiday dates.

"We also know vulnerable children may be at greater risk if they are out of school for an extended period, and I am mindful of the impact an extension to school holidays would have for working parents.

"For these reasons I do not see a clear rationale for changing term dates and disrupting children’s education."