Schools must have remote learning provision from today

The Government's Temporary Continuity Direction, regarding the provision of remote education in schools, has come into effect today, 22 October.

The Direction means schools have a duty to provide education to children at home, as they do when children are in the classroom.

It is designed to provide assurances to both pupils and parents that if pupils have to self-isolate at home their education will not be disrupted.

Commenting, Nick Brook, Deputy General Secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “Most people will see the introduction of this new legal responsibility to provide remote education precisely for what it is – a cynical attempt by government to look strong by acting tough. Schools do not need government to bring in laws for them to do the right thing.

“This should have been the moment when government put some real effort behind their promise to level-up, by committing to get fast internet to every home and a device to every pupil, so that no child misses out on part of their education for want of a computer. Now was the moment to invest in technology and the skills in schools to make the most of it. This could have benefited both communities and the economy, and is a missed opportunity to do good. Right now, schools and families need support, not sanction.”