CAMPAIGN group 5050 in-school have criticised the Scottish Government regarding its lack of plans for home learning.

The group received a response from the Scottish Government this week which suggests that the weight of responsibility for learning at home will lie with individual schools and teachers. Activists believe this will lead to unequal access to education.

Glasgow City Council has since confirmed that all schools have blended learning models in place which were developed before the end of last term as at that point schools were not due to return full time.

Last week iPads were delivered to pupils when they had to self-isolate for two weeks due to coronavirus.

Sarah Chisnall, a spokesperson for the 50/50 in school campaign said: “We are being told that schools are waiting for guidance and now it turns out that the plan for children who are self-isolating is down to an individual school’s own Digital Learning Strategy.

“We need a national online learning platform for all children now, and not just for the senior years and a minimum standards and guaranteed contact with teachers for every child in Scotland.

“We have seen a great example of what can be achieved with an initiative like the “West Partnership Online School” which covers the Glasgow City Region and includes eight local authority areas. This online school covers all stages of education, from primary to senior secondary years and has already involved over 100 teachers who have recorded lessons.

“They are looking for more teachers to sign up to deliver more online classes which students can then access at a time to suit them. Imagine what this could achieve if replicated across Scotland.”

Glasgow City Council says that plans are bespoke to each school and to meet the needs of their learning community.

A spokeswoman said: “The plans include the learning package in place when a child needs to self-isolate.

“Another school carried out a test in the first week back on how they would deliver lessons if anyone has to stay home – where the whole school stayed home and the teachers taught the lessons via apps.

“This is not new to schools – schools have had plans in place to support individual learners who can’t attend school for a variety of reasons and will do everything in their power to meet the needs of our children and young people.”

The Scottish Government has been asked for comment.