Today is primary school offer day – a key indication that schools plan on soon returning to normal.
Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, said the offer day is going ahead “because it is important to mark ‘milestones amid the Covid-19 outbreak.”
Earlier this week, EDLounge reported that Williamson would prefer lifting of lockdown restrictions sooner rather than later. But what do his comments today mean for education resuming? This blog post explains.
What has the education secretary said today?
Speaking to the i newspaper, Williamson said: “It is now four weeks since we made the difficult decision to close schools to all but the children of critical workers and those children who are most vulnerable, as part of the country’s ongoing response to coronavirus.
“This was not an easy decision to take and we made it only when our country’s medical and scientific experts told us it was the safes option available.
“I am well aware that this has been a huge ask: for the teachers and support staff who are doing such a phenomenal job keeping schools open; and for those parents who are now working from home at the same time as having to keep their children learning and entertained. And let’s not forget for children themselves who will be missing their friends and teachers, and may be struggling to understand why their worlds have suddenly been turned upside down.”
The likelihood of returning to normal
Williamson continued: “At times it may seem as if we will never get back to normal, but as her Majesty the Queen put it so perfectly, “better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.
“To prepare for this, we are continuing to work on essential projects and milestones that remain part ad parcel of every school year – and of every family’s life.
“Today is Primary School Offer Day. It is the day families have waited months for; when parents across England find out which primary school has offered their child a place for September. I remember when my two daughters received their offers, and I know just what a significant moment this is for families.
“I hope, despite the disruption we are all facing, parents will find it reassuring to know that schools are still preparing for their new intake and that most children – last year more than nine in ten – will receive an offer from their first choice of school.
“For older children, I am also able to confirm GCSE and A level exam result days – another milestone for families.”
How can EDLounge Limited help prepare students?
Through using EDLounge and EDStarz you can use the time to prepare for the next academic year.
EDStarz allows users to access diagnostic exams – meaning they can identify gaps in their knowledge, as well as access to lessons and assessments to challenge their understanding.
The system automatically marks papers, meaning pupils receive instant feedback. Identifying strengths and weaknesses means that they are best placed to prepare adequately for the next school year.
EDLounge can support pupils learning from home. Over 11,000 lessons are available in a range of different subjects. Safeguarding is EDLounge’s number one priority with facilities including alert mechanisms, video/chat functions and eyes-on learning meaning issues can be easily raised.
For information on how to safeguard your child at home click here.
For further information, call 01909 568 338.