Schools asked to do all they can to keep pupils in class

In an open letter to school leaders, education secretary Nadhim Zahawi has asked leaders to do everything in their power to protect face to face learning for our children and young people.

Acknowledging that operational challenges could be caused by workforce shortages, the letter encourages schools to consider ways to implement a flexible approach to learning. "Flexible delivery involves utilising all your available teaching and non-teaching workforce to maximise on-site education for as many pupils as possible while you flexibly deliver provision either on-site or remotely to some pupils," the letter says.

The DfE has worked with leaders across the sector to share case studies that may help others to develop and adopt flexible learning approaches.