Chamber and committees

Learning at home or school should be teacher led and schools and teachers should work with learners, parents and families to take account of and adapt to circumstances such as lack of internet access when setting home learning tasks. To support teachers to deliver learning, no matter the home circumstances during school closures, Education Scotland is continuing to develop ‘Scotland Learns’ a resource bank of straightforward, open-ended learning activities which are challenging, and that develop children’s and young people’s independence in learning. These learning activities were designed to support learning at home during lockdown and can also be used to support a model of blended learning if required.

We understand that many learners who do not have access to broadband are suffering from socioeconomic disadvantage. That is why we are continuing with our commitment to invest £182 million from the Attainment Scotland Fund in 2020/21. For the first time, Pupil Equity Funding allocations have been confirmed for two years, to provide more certainty for head teachers and aid learning during the pandemic. We have also ensured that local authorities and schools have the flexibility they need to redirect Attainment Scotland Funding to help mitigate the impacts of school closures on our most disadvantaged families; and to make adjustments to existing plans to be delivered as schools return. For example, local authorities have used the funding to provide tablets to support digital learning at home, to provide transport to enable learners to attend hubs and supporting home-school link workers to maintain regular contact with children. In addition, the Scottish Government has committed to investing a further £25m in the provision of laptops, tablets and connectivity to support digital inclusion for our most disadvantaged children and young people.