The BBC are set to broadcast educational programmes for children during lockdown on BBC Two and CBBC.
Starting on Monday 11 January, children will be able to access a wide range of programmes ranging from Science and Maths to English and History.
This comes as Boris Johnson announced on Monday that all schools in England would be closed as Covid-19 cases continue to rise.
Schools are currently only open to children of key workers and the vulnerable, with normality not expected to return until after the February half-term at the very earliest.
The BBC will broadcast curriculum-based programs this coming Monday, which will include three hours of primary programs on CBBC every weekday and two hours of secondary programs on BBC Two.
“The BBC is here to play its part and I’m delighted that we have been able to bring this to audiences so swiftly.”
Tim Davie, BBC Director-General
CBBC programs will include BBC Bitesize, Celebrity Supply Teacher, and Horrible Histories, with BBC Two offering adaptations of Shakespearean plays and science for its more mature students.
During the first lockdown in 2020, lessons were made available via the red button or online on sites such as BBC iPlayer. This new government initiative, however, is the first-time educational programs have been made available on regular TV channels.
This comes amidst government concerns that low-income families may struggle to afford online lessons for their children, making these educational options available to all.
“The BBC has helped the nation through some of the toughest moments of the last century, and for the next few weeks it will help our children learn whilst we stay at home, protect the NHS, and save lives.”
Oliver Dowden, Culture Secretary
The government has also announced that they will be delivering one million laptops and tablets to children in need, making education as accessible as possible for the near future.
Words by Maddy Raine
Support The Indiependent
We’re trying to raise £200 a month to help cover our operational costs. This includes our ‘Writer of the Month’ awards, where we recognise the amazing work produced by our contributor team. If you’ve enjoyed reading our site, we’d really appreciate it if you could donate to The Indiependent. Whether you can give £1 or £10, you’d be making a huge difference to our small team.