Education inspectors to assess remote learning

The “q u a l i ty and effectiveness” of remote learning being delivered by teachers will be scrutinised by education inspectors, Jo h n Swinney has announced.

He said Education Scotland inspectors will examine the standard of online teaching and learning, although he pledged to ensure the reviews do not “distract or burden” schools.

The education secretary also pledged £45 million for local authorities to support schools, which can be used to either recruit additional staff or to buy laptops and other devices for home learning while schools remain closed for the majority of pupils.

The funding will be “sufficient in principle to support the recruitment of an additional 2,000 teaching staff ” for the next two months, Mr Swinney told MSPS, although councils will have flexibility on how the money is spent.

In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, he said: “I can announce today that the quality and effectiveness of remote learning across the countr y will be rev iewed by HM Inspectors of Education.

“A programme of ‘ national over views’ will commence immediately and last for the duration of remote learning.

“These will evaluate what is working well and where further improvement is required, based on information collected from varied sources including engagement with schools and local authorities.”

The findings from the reviews by HM Inspectors of Education will be released weekly, Mr Swinney said, with an initial evaluation of councils’ planning and guidance on remote learning due to be published by Friday January 22.