Covid lockdown: Schools need to re-open as soon as they can – Steve Cardownie

His quest to attain the necessary qualifications for application to a university to continue his education has obviously been made a bit more challenging given the current circumstances.

Of course many of his peers will be in a similar position, either seeking qualifications for university entry or an occupation so it is vitally important that schools get it right if their life chances are not to be irreparably damaged.

His school has now informed me that the “aims for remote learning” encompass the following: consistency and equity of the learning experience; progression for all; and supporting pupil and staff well-being.

All laudable aims but they must be backed up with the appropriate commitment and action which was lacking in the previous lockdown but certainly cannot be excused if repeated.

As a parent I have a responsibility to ensure that the household environment assists this process, which might not be too difficult for me but will undoubtedly pose problems for some families, which might not be so easy to overcome.

Quiet, individual space will be at a premium for households with more than one child and their education is more than likely to suffer as a result. This problem is greater in deprived areas than leafy suburbs and will widen the attainment gap if this situation persists for too long.

There is no adequate replacement for attendance at school, which is why they should re-open at the earliest opportunity.

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