Everyone keeps saying that teachers will still be working if schools close as they will need to deliver online learning. They keep saying that children will still receive their education but it will just be done virtually.
But....not all children can learn remotely.
Some children don’t have access to the required technology.
I can’t see most younger children learning very much virtually even if they have access to the appropriate technology. It’s really difficult to teach a 5 year old remotely for 5 hours a day.
Children with additional needs who don’t yet have an ehcp might not be able to learn remotely for numerous reasons.
I am worried about children’s educational needs their mental health and the mental health of parents if we have blanket school closures.
The children who would already be an at educational disadvantage are going to fall further behind.
I don’t know what the answer is. Keeping schools open carries an obvious risk of the virus spreading faster but closing them carries other risks.
As so many parents don’t want to send their children in due to the risks perhaps the govt should just say if you can keep your children home then please do so. Maybe this would help reduce numbers in schools to a level which makes things safer but allows those who really need to attend to do so.