Schools in ‘much better’ place on home learning

to school full-time, Mr Dempster believes those plans can be of use during the latgest lockdown.

He said: “The preparation that had happened prior to and during summer was about a blended learning basis which is quite different.

“But obviously some of that preparation is readily transferred to this situation.

“There has also been quite a considerable amount of time and experience in remote learning.”

Mr Dempster also welcomed the extension to the festive break – which was announced in December – saying it meant schools have had time to prepare for the switch to online learning.

He said: “It’s really welcomed and important that the government decided to have planning time at the start of this session because the decision was so late at the end of the last session.

“That planning time this week before remote learning starts is extremely important as it gives schools a bit of space to make sure it is as it needs to be.”

The Scottish Government previously announced a £9 million scheme aimed at delivering 25,000 laptops to disadvantaged children across Scotland.

However, concerns were raised by opposition MSPs after it was revealed that as of July last year, none of the laptops bought by the government to help pupils learn at home had been distributed.

In her statement to parliament on Monday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said more than 50,000 devices have since been distributed to children and young people.

Of these devices, close to 2,000 have been delivered to pupils across the Angus region.

A spokesman for Angus Council said: “All requested Chromebooks, iPads and Mifis (around 1,900 devices in total) via the government scheme have been delivered to schools and distributed to identified children and young people.

“This was completed in November last year. Schools may also be making their own local arrangements in respect of the use and distribution of other devices.”

Angela Logue, head of education and children’s services at Fife Council, also confirmed more than 4,000 devices have already been distributed to children and young people in the Kingdom.

A further 1,000 devices are expected to be distributed in the next two weeks.

The local authority also said connectivity solutions have also been provided where necessary to improve access to the internet.

Ms Logue added: “Parents and carers will be contacted directly by their schools on arrangements for their continued learning throughout January following the announcement by the first minister.”

Perth and Kinross Council confirmed that more than 900 devices will be ready for pupils and families to use when remote learning starts on Monday.

A spokeswoman for the local authority said: “Perth and Kinross Council schools have continued to work with families to ensure that all children and young people identified as requiring support to access the necessary digital device to continue their learning at home, can receive the appropriate support.

“By the start of the new term on January 11, more than 950 new iPads, laptops and probooks will have been prepared and delivered to schools for distribution to children and young people ensuring all those that have been identified by schools are digitally included.

“We will continue to engage with schools and families to further determine any emerging need for access to devices in households as the term begins.”

Figures for Dundee City were not immediately available.

Pupils will be working from home as schools remain closed during lockdown