BBC Bitesize returning to CBBC Channel from November 1 to help children off school because of coronavirus

by Lauren Abbott

labbott@thekmgroup.co.uk

Primary school lessons are returning to CBBC from this week for children off school because of the pandemic.

The BBC is bringing back BBC Bitesize to our television screens following a successful run during the first lockdown.

Lessons for children in primary school will be shown every morning on television by the BBC

Bitesize Daily was the corporation's biggest ever push on education offering over a hundred lessons on BBC iPlayer as well as thousands of lessons online between March and July.

Now with further government restrictions coming into force, BBC Bitesize Daily will launch on the children's CBBC channel with an hour of dedicated programming for primary school children every school day, starting from 9am.

Official figures from the Department for Education show that around 14% of children in England may not return to school the week after the half term break as a result of reasons related to the pandemic including needing to isolate because of a positive case either at home or within their school bubble.

Research, says the BBC, has also highlighted that many children in more deprived areas have limited access to the internet and devices so it is hoped bringing BBC Bitesize Daily to CBBC will ensure children aged five to 11 with access to a television can do some curriculum based learning every school day, to complement home-based schooling provided by schools.

With school bubbles or families having to isolate because of coronavirus, not every child is returning to school

For those with regular internet access, the thousands of online primary lessons continue to also be available at bbc.co.uk/bitesize to boost learning even further.

Monday to Friday will see three 20 minute episodes of BBC Bitesize Daily Primary air on CBBC aimed at children aged 5 to 7, 7 to 9 and 9 to 11 year olds.

These episodes will cover either English, Maths or Science plus one other curriculum subject daily.

Patricia Hidalgo-Reina, Director of BBC Children’s and Education said: “The BBC continues to support teachers and parents in educating children in the UK during challenging times. With so many children unable to attend school physically we are delighted to be able to bring Bitesize Daily to CBBC ensuring every child in the UK has access to curriculum based learning via their TV.”

Either side of the Bitesize Daily hour on CBBC will be a selection of popular CBBC shows related to curriculum topics such as Horrible Histories, Deadly 60, Celebrity Supply Teacher and Art Ninja to give children further opportunities for additional activities to continue learning.

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