Remote teaching ‘has improved – but more support is needed’

Remote teaching improvement has been demanded by the Scottish Liberal Democrats leader after a local survey found one in three parents dissatisfied.

Some 34% of north-east Fife parents who responded to Willie Rennie’s survey said they were unhappy with home schooling.

While most reckoned performance had improved since last year, when schools were closed from March to June, a fifth (21%) disagreed.

Mr Rennie, North East Fife MSP, said the results showed that opinion is split over remote teaching provision and more effort is needed.

According to a report published by Education Scotland last week, schools have learned from the lockdown and are providing better remote teaching.

But Mr Rennie said: “Whilst home schooling has improved for a majority, there is still a significant number of people who feel it has not.

“No one should be left behind with their schooling at this critical time.

“With blended learning continuing for another week into February, it is even more important we give schools the extra support they need to help parents who feel they need more support.

“We should be encouraged by the improvements but drive to do better and ensure that no parent feels overwhelmed or struggling while the current arrangements continue.”

The survey was completed by 161 parents.

Among the most common reasons given for being unsatisfied with provision were the burden of managing their own work with children’s education; not enough content provided; and a lack of IT equipment and poor broadband making online learning difficult.

Respondents suggested there should be more live lessons and contact between teachers and both pupils and parents.

Convener of Fife Council’s education and children’s services committee Councillor Craig Walker said: “Most people are happier with the remote learning situation than during the first lockdown and that’s really positive news.”