Fin is worried about online learning. He hasn’t seen or heard a teacher since March – Worried mum Sarah Chisnall
The mum of a teenager told he might attend school only one day a week has urged urgent action to protect children’s education.
Sarah Chisnall, who lives in Edinburgh with son Fin, 13, says councils must be more innovative and creative in providing face-to-face lessons.
She has joined other parents to form campaign group 50:50, which is calling for at least half of pupils’ time to be in the classroom and a national standard for online learning.
Nicola Sturgeon intervened last week to insist pupils would spend at least half their time in school but is unclear how many councils will meet that target, with many intending to close schools one day midweek for cleaning.
Ms Chisnall, a public affairs consultant, said: “Fin is missing school and his friends. He finds the online learning boring and repetitive and quite lonely.
“He is looking forward to going back to school and is not happy about being there only one day a week. He is worried about online learning. He hasn’t seen or heard a teacher on video or audio since March 19 and finds the idea of that continuing really difficult.”
The 50:50 group is calling on councils to be “more creative” about where pupils are taught. “It could be community halls, churches,” said Ms Chisnall. “We also think councils should look at conference centres.
“Take Edinburgh, which has a huge management centre lying empty at the RBS headquarters.
“We want to press upon our councillors and MSPs to make sure officials look at every building that could be used. We know that is not easy, but we at least want to know that has been considered.
“One of the main issues people are raising is if we have enough teachers. We want to make sure every council has reached out to retired teachers and all supply teachers.”