Thu, 22 Oct 2020
A review of the remote learning school pupils received during lockdown has been published.
It was commissioned by Dr Alex Allinson MHK, Minister for Department of Education, Sport and Culture (DESC) and carried out by the Education Service between July and September.
The report makes 10 recommendations and establishes a consistent set of standards for remote learning should schools again close due to the ongoing health emergency.
All schools shut on 23 March, with the exception of 14 educational hubs that were kept open for the most vulnerable and children of key workers.
The majority of schools remained closed for three months as part of the general lockdown – meaning no face-to-face lessons could be carried out.
The recommendations cover areas including:
• The consistency, quality and volume of lessons
• Consistency of feedback from teachers to pupils
• Access to devices and internet at home
• Extra support for examination year groups
• Appropriate training for school staff and guidance for parents
• Developing a team of remote learning experts