Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to support teachers to ensure minimal disruption to the education and attainment of children from all backgrounds and irrespective of economic circumstances during the covid-19 outbreak.

The Department has provided a range of information, guidance and support for teachers and leaders on educating children during the COVID-19 outbreak, which is available here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/remote-education-during-coronavirus-covid-19.

As well as recommended resources, it includes approaches and case studies for teachers to help them adapt their curriculum and teaching practices for remote education, and keep pupils motivated and engaged.

To enable all children to continue learning whilst at home, the Department will provide digital devices and internet access for some disadvantaged children and young people who do not currently have access to them from other sources.

The Department has asked schools to prepare to welcome back more children from 1 June at the earliest. We want to get children and young people back into education as soon as the scientific advice allows because it is the best place for them to learn, and because we know how important it is for their mental wellbeing to be back with their friends and teachers. Planning advice for primary schools, including advice on what to prioritise is available here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/preparing-for-the-wider-opening-of-schools-from-1-june/planning-guide-for-primary-schools#planning-what-to-teach-and-how.