Schools prepare for challenge of distance learning ahead of national shutdown

Some Jewish schools already shut the gates this week. 

Rabbi David Meyer, executive director of Pajes, said, “While schools have been preparing for this eventuality for the past few days, delivering remote learning is complex and is going to place considerable pressures on the schools.” 

He added, “This is a new reality and one that will be challenging for use all.  Methods of learning will need to change and the role of schools and parents in the education of their children will be transformed.”

Pajes was “working with schools, supporting governors and school leaders, as well as curating further education resources, methodologies and supporting guidelines”.

Kirsten Jowett, chief executive of the United Synagogue-run Jewish Community Academy Trust, a consortium of five primaries, told parents and staff that the government’s latest directive was “not that simple” for schools.

“They are asking schools to stay open for all children of keyworkers and vulnerable children. We have not yet received guidance on what this means,” she said.

JCAT would be looking to provide a solution on a consortium-wide basis “if allowed”, she said.