Mind the gap on remote learning

MOST parents accept the need for school closures as the country battles to contain a rising number of Covid-19 cases.

But that patience was tested to the limit for many mums and dads yesterday as they tried to get to grips with remote learning.

The vast majority of pupils are not expected to return to school until at least February, meaning most schoolwork needs to be done online.

Much of it is being done via a Scottish Government-backed website called Glow Connect.

Due to problems beyond ministers’ control, that site ground to a halt yesterday morning for many pupils.

The system has reportedly been plagued by technical glitches for months.

Nicola Sturgeon said the issue was related to Microsoft Teams and wasn’t restricted to Scotland or indeed schools.

But there’s one big issue where Holyrood ministers could and should make a difference.

More than 30,000 tablets due to be handed to pupils to work on from home have not been delivered, according to figures from the Scottish Conservatives.

Tory MSPs want SNP ministers to double support for remote education to £50million if classroom closures stretch on to February.

It’s a suggestion that should be taken seriously.

The biggest risk of remote learning is it increases the already significant attainment gap in Scottish schools.

Kids with access to fast broadband and up-to-date laptops will be able to handle online learning far easier than those without.

When it comes to remote learning, the report card is clear: ministers must do better.