SCHOOLS have now closed for all children, bar those of key workers, leaving families across the UK to tackle home schooling during the country’s coronavirus battle.

This means many parents will have to continue their child’s education at home. The children of key workers will still be able to attend school.

A Dorset Council spokesperson said: “Colleagues in Children’s Services are working closely with headteachers and have an agreement in place for all schools to open on Monday, though some small primary schools may not be able to. At this point we don’t know how many children will turn up.”

To assist parents who now find themselves in the role of teacher to their children, Dorset Council has compiled a list of websites which have materials for home education. These resources have been approved by the council’s educational psychology service.

Many schools, such as the Prince of Wales School in Dorchester, will be sending home resource packs and offering virtual education.

At Budmouth Academy in Weymouth, Google Classroom is in place for children to use remotely.

Assistant Principal Pete Lydford said: “Any student who is worried about falling behind should just communicate with their teacher. Let their teacher know so they can receive the additional support.

“The work will be in line with our normal expectations of a school week and we expect as much output. “When we trialled Google Classroom earlier this year with various classes we found students engaged fantastically well with it.“We’ve found it’s enhanced their independent learning skills. Google Classroom is intuitive, very well supported and our staff are very excited about using it.“Our students are fantastic and this is an exciting opportunity for them to discover new skills and interests.”

Bovington Academy is also using Google Classroom to continue its curriculum. In addition, acting co-principal Nick George has provided a parent-friendly guide on home schooling.

He said: “We live in a digital world and the children are developing their computer skills alongside what they’re learning in the curriculum so it makes sense for us to use Google Classroom.

“It also ensures that all the children are getting the same ‘learning diet’ in the same way at the same time. Teachers get notifications if things are incomplete and can mark it remotely. And they can interact with them regularly and receive feedback and teachers can screen cast and they can work through it with them at the same time as the teacher is working through it. “Research shows that children of this age require regular study breaks to promote concentration which is why we recommend breaking up the day with fun learning activities like baking and arts and crafts.

“Parents should see this as an opportunity to spend quality time with their children that they otherwise would not have and use this as a chance to find out what they are learning at school and we hope they will welcome this.”

Here are some tips for parents who are home schooling during the coronavirus pandemic.

  • Maintain a daily routine, lessons should start at the same time as they would in school.
  • Try to keep some normality, as they would for a school day. Students should get changed out of sleepwear and be ready to learn.
  • Draw up a weekly plan together, put it on the fridge and discuss the coming day with them.
  • If possible, set up a study area. It should have minimal distractions and be stocked with any learning resources they have.
  • Trying to put a blanket ban on games consoles or social media for a whole day might be counter-productive. It may be better to reach a mutual agreement.
  • Children at school have breaks from learning during the day so this should continue at home. Some may not be able to concentrate for more than an hour at a time.
  • Spelling lists for different age groups are available online, working through these could be hugely beneficial.
  • Try and get as much exercise as possible in line with directives on social isolation.
  • Focus on ‘life skills’ together like cooking and cleaning.
  • Children can keep in contact with their friends online but this needs to be age appropriate and closely monitored.
  • Break up the learning with board and card games or some arts and crafts.