Calls for more support for Fife pupils studying at home

Forty per cent of secondary school pupils in Fife haven’t accessed home learning during lockdown, an MSP has claimed.

Alexander Stewart, Mid Scotland and Fife, challenged the First Minister to deliver more support when he raised the issue at the Scottish Parliament.

Mr Stewart, the e Scottish Conservatives’ deputy chief whip, told the First Minister that one in five primary school pupils in the region had not accessed home learning services, with that figure rising to 40 per cent for secondary pupils.

He asked her to outline what further support will be given to assist pupils as they continue to learn at home.

Mr Stewart said: “It is hugely concerning to see that so many pupils across the Fife region haven’t been able to access home learning during this unprecedented time.

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“Whilst I want to pay tribute to all our teachers and parents who have done an extraordinary job in recent weeks, it is apparent that far too many pupils are falling through the net in terms of support.

“With one in five primary school pupils and two in five secondary school pupils not being able to access support, it is clear there are real issues across Fife communities, which is why I raised this.”

In her answer the First Minister highlighted extra funding that had been outlined for electronic devices and that the SNP Government would be pursuing other ways as to how services can be accessed.

Added Mr Stewart: “It is welcome if extra funding is being directed to delivering more devices, but this must be done at an increased pace to ensure no further learning is lost out, with a return to school still over two months away.”

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