If the school does virtual lessons do the kids have to attend?

[LittleBoyBlues]

My children and I find virtual school abominable and largely a waste of time. Most of the day is wasted on trying to manage the technology or waiting to ask simple questions and very little learning seems to happen.
Last lockdown the school didn't do virtual classes so we taught them ourselves and they thrived on it. I was really positive about doing even better this time and trying to use more of the school resources but then they sprang Teams on us at the last minute.
It's just sitting infront of a screen all day, very little actual work and no exercise or outside time (or time for it as the schedule blocks out the whole day until the light's almost gone).
Am I legally obliged to make my children attend the virtual classes?
I'm in England and my kids are 8 and 5 in case that makes a difference
TIA

Our son's teacher yesterday reminded everyone that she's taking a register of attendance at the meetings and of the work being uploaded. I notice that sometimes a few of the children aren't there (some I haven't seen at all). But whether it's actually law you attend these I don't know. It sounds like you had it pretty well worked out last lockdown.
My 10 year old hated the Teams classes at first and would attend but without the camera on because he was self conscious but his teacher insisted he had it on and now he's fine about it.

Surf ours the teacher is teaching so students stay on mute. So wouldnt worry about younger child. Obviously phonics say the student talks more but still not constantly as actually better for each child to have a go rather than one tell them all

My daughter is 6 & in year 1. Unable to work/log in unsupervised. I am working from home. Online class teams dial in 9am - 3pm. I was honest & told her teacher this wouldn't be happening, due to the nature of my job, I can't support her during those hours.

All the live lessons & worksheets are uploaded each day, we then sit down when I've finished work & go through them all online. When you submit each piece the teacher gets a notification & comes back with comments. We spend a solid couple of hours making sure everything is coveted, and read a book.

I have to say this works perfectly for us, it's not a situation either of us have asked to be in. If I could be in the office and my daughter be in school, we would. How any child or parent can be penalised when doing their level best is beyond me and I am very grateful my daughters school have taken a sensible and supportive approach.