Ms Sturgeon said: “We are determined to get our children back to normal schooling – and by extension back to much greater normality in their lives – just as quickly as it is safe to do so.
“That is our overriding priority and I think it is right it is the overriding priority of all of us.”
The Scottish Government will confirm in two weeks’ time if it will be possible for these children to return to their classrooms – with ministers also hoping to announce then when other students could go back.
But the start of a phased return to schools comes as Ms Sturgeon confirmed lockdown restrictions in Scotland were being extended.