Parents say future home schooling is unsustainable

Campaign group, Sept for Schools, has warned that home-school during the Covid-19 pandemic is taking a toll on both parents and children.

Campaigners has written to Education Select Committee chairman Robert Halfon, urging him to "hold the government to account for delivering a clear, comprehensive and workable plan to make sure our children return safely to school in September".

The group says that assuming that parents can readily resume their role as educators in the event of future lockdowns is "not sustainable, fair or workable as an education solution".

"In the event of further lockdowns, this plan must provide considerable support to schools and to parents to ensure that the learning and wellbeing of all children are prioritised, wherever they live and whatever circumstances they live in."

The group has sent views of parents, gained from a survey on social media, to Rober Halfon in the hope that parents will "have their voices heard".

Some parents have pointed out that it is not about not having access to internet or devices, but that trying to work from home and teach is extremely challenging.

One parent said: "Home-schooling has been hell, sharing the only table in our small flat with my seven-year-old son," reported one single mother, who is working full-time from home.

"It is not that I don't think I am capable or that we do not have access to materials, but I cannot do two jobs at once - I can either attempt to support my seven-year-old in doing some schoolwork or try to do my own work and keep my job."

Conservative MP Robert Halfon said recognised that many parents had been struggling.

The Department for Education said: "We are aware how challenging it has been for parents, teachers, support staff and school leaders in supporting children to learn at home.

"We want to reassure parents and families that we are doing everything we can to make sure schools are as safe as possible for children and staff, and will continue to work closely with the country's best scientific and medical experts to ensure that is the case."