Children without laptops or enough space at home can go into school
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has said that could class them as vulnerable
Last updated 7th Jan 2021
The Education Secretary has said that children who don't have access to digital devices like laptops will be able to access education at school during lockdown.
During the debate in parliament about lockdown Gavin Williamson was asked about children who can't home school as they don't have internet connection or computers.
He confirmed that in the last lockdown those children had access to education in schools and that would be the same for this lockdown.
He also confirmed that children without the space at home to have schooling remotely will also be able to go into schools.
So which children can go into schools?
Official lockdown guidance says that colleges, primary (reception onwards) and secondary schools will remain open for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers.
All other children will learn remotely until February half term.
Children who can still be educated in school include those have been identified as vulnerable by schools or councils.
According to the rules vulnerable children can include 'those who may have difficulty engaging with remote education at home (for example due to a lack of devices or quiet space to study)'.
The 'digital divide' for schools children
Conservative chair of the Education Committee Robert Halfon (Harlow) raised concerns about the “digital divide” in the parliament debate.
He said: “I strongly welcome the Government’s laptop scheme but we know that there still will be, possibly, hundreds of thousands of people on the wrong side of the digital divide.
“Can (he) confirm that those students who just don’t have internet connection or computers at home will be able to go to school alongside children of critical workers? Could he also confirm that any centre-assessed grade will not only maintain standards but provide a level playing field for disadvantaged children, and have a fair appeals process?
“Will he make sure that there are independent assessors, perhaps retired teachers or Ofsted inspectors, to provide a check and balance for each assessed grade awarded?”
He added: “Will he do everything possible to ensure teachers and support staff are given priority for vaccinations alongside NHS workers so we can get our schools open again sooner rather than later?”
Referring to last year’s lockdown, Mr Williamson replied: “Children who didn’t have access to digital devices were able to access education in that school and that is the same standard and same guidance that we are issuing today as well.
“We’ll be doing everything that we can do to ensure that children are not left behind.”
Here's what you can and can't do in this new lockdown:
Can I leave the house?
People will only be allowed to leave their house for limited reasons, including shopping for essentials, work or education, exercise, and to seek medical assistance.
Mr Johnson said residents can leave their homes for shopping for necessities such as food and medicine, but only as infrequently as possible.
Are schools open?
Schools are closed to most pupils, except the children of key workers and those who are vulnerable. Teaching will continue remotely online.
Do I have to go into work?
People will be able to go to work if it is impossible to work from home, such as those working in the construction sector or who are critical workers. All others must work from home. Cleaners and other trades people will still be able to work in people's homes. Those shielding should not go to work
They are advised not to go to work even if they cannot work from home.
Are support bubbles still allowed?
Support bubbles are still allowed. This is when two households link up, effectively forming one household. Only certain people are allowed to form support bubbles, including adults living alone and single adults living with children. More information forming support bubbles can be found here.
Can I go shopping?
All non-essential shops, hairdressers and personal care venues must close. Essential shops, including food stores and supermarkets, will remain open.
Can weddings and funerals go ahead?
Weddings and funerals can go ahead with strict restrictions on the number in attendance. Funerals can be attended by a maximum of 30 people, while commemorative events such as wakes can be attended by 6 people. Weddings and civil partnerships can only take place with 6 attendees under exceptional circumstances, such as an urgent marriage where one person is terminally ill.
What's happening with universities?
Students studying courses which require formative training, such as medicine, dentistry, education, veterinary science and social work, will return to face-to-face teaching as normal. Students studying other courses should, where possible, remain where they are and start their term remotely with online learning.
Are restaurants and pubs closed?
All cafes, pubs and restaurants should close. Restaurants and other hospitality venues can continue delivery or takeaway services, but people will not be able to add alcohol to that order.
I want to exercise, are gyms open and sports allowed?
Gyms and leisure facilities must close. Exercise outside will be allowed – preferably limited to once a day – with members of your household or support bubble or one other person from another household, such as going for a walk or run. Exercise should be taken locally.
Can I go to church or other places of worship?
Places of worship can remain open for individual prayers and communal worship, but people should only visit with their household or support bubble and maintain social distancing throughout.
What about childcare?
All primary and secondary schools as well as colleges will move to remote learning, but early years settings such as nurseries and childminders can remain open, and existing childcare bubbles will be allowed to stay in place.
Can I play sport?
Outdoor gyms, tennis courts and golf courses must close, and outdoor team sports will not be permitted. Organised outdoor sport for disabled people can continue.
Premier League and other elite sports that already have in place strict testing regimes and their own bubbles will be allowed to continue.
Can I still move house?
Yes, people can still move house. Estate and letting agents and removals firms can continue to operate. You can still attend property viewings.