HEADTEACHERS and parents across north Essex have criticised the Government’s “utterly shocking” handling of moving schools to remote learning until mid-February.

In an announcement made on Monday evening, hours after reiterating his position on the safety of schools, Boris Johnson placed the entire country in its third lockdown.

As a result, educational institutions have now been closed to most pupils, but vulnerable students and children of key workers will still be allowed to attend.

The last-minute implementation of what are the toughest restrictions since March left teachers and support staff with a “huge amount of planning to do” in very little time.

Given the increased connectivity and technology many households now benefit from, the roll-out of remote learning on the surface might appear relatively straight forward.

But teachers are now having to not only video themselves teaching lessons, but also prepare physical study packs for children who do not own accommodating devices.

The Government had promised to address this issue by ensuring every student had access to the appropriate equipment needed to learn from home.

But Liz Bartholomew, headteacher of the Mayflower Primary School, in Dovercourt, says only nine laptops have been provided to support more than 50 vulnerable pupils in her care.

She said: “Not all families can access the internet, so some prefer paper-based learning.

“The Government’s handling of the situation is utterly shocking.

“The sheer fact that we get told at the same time as the rest of the nation is laughable.

“We still need that time to plan and communicate with our parents.

“Once more, we feel let down as a profession.”

“As for the vaccine, we are offended that education staff are not considered a high enough priority to be offered the vaccine, considering school settings have need described as a ‘vector’ for transmitting the virus.”

Samantha Honey, who sends her three children to Clacton County High School, believes closing schools were the right move.

The 39-year-old said: “The Government has done the correct thing to ensure the safety of children and their families.

“I am hoping with this being the second time this has happened things will run more smoothly.

“I still think the best option for children’s future would be to extend school age by a year and delay exams to allow all these students to catch up.

“For now, I am relieved that I don’t have to worry about contract tracing and my children’s health.”