THE headteacher of two Ryedale primary schools has launched online schooling sessions for parents.

Rachel Ray, head of Langton and Weaverthorpe primary schools hasdeveloped the scheme to help support families who may be trying to juggle work and education all in the same house.

Mrs Ray said many schools recognise the stresses and strains and are doing everything they can to support children and families get through the challenges.

She said: “We are doing regular Teams meetings with families in the mornings, for social time and a feeling of togetherness.

“It is an opportunity for children to see each other. We use it to support learning. We are letting everyone know we are here and very much here to support them, so parents at home don’t think they cannot contact us,” she said.

With no more than 30 per cent of children actually in class, regular meetings allow those at home to socialise with their peers as well as providing a forum for parents.

Mrs Ray said: "A key message to parents, who are frequently juggling their own careers while trying to help their children keep up with education, is that mental wellbeing is at the top of the list of importance.

"In practice, that means encouraging a culture where parents know their school is open and approachable.

"Parents have been contacted by letter to re-assure them in the hope of reducing the risk of worrying, with the message that maintaining mental well-being is the most important goal at present. That involves guidance that adults should not press too hard on their children’s learning workload and to stop and allow youngsters to play rather than allow it to become overbearing."

Mrs Ray said: "Remote learning policies have been updated with the aim of ensuring consistent learning among children, whether they are in the classroom or at home.

"Rewards remain in place, so certificates are still awarded on a weekly basis, and house points notched up, regardless of whether pupils are at home or in school.

Mrs Ray said: "Families are encouraged to give feedback and have been sent questionnaires on how the schools’ techniques have worked."