A new website has been launched to help teachers keep students learning in the event a school is closed because of COVID-19.

Launched today, the new Learning From Home site provides age-appropriate, curriculum-based learning resources for early childhood services and primary and secondary school students.

Minister for Education James Merlino said the new website would ensure children don’t miss out on learning because their school has closed due to COVID-19.

In the event that the Chief Health Officer recommends a school close due to a confirmed case of COVID-19, teachers will continue to work remotely. This new website contains advice on communicating with students and provides teachers with information on how they can best support student learning during a closure.

The website has been developed in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and will complement existing online resources available to schools, such as the Compass system, which is used to communicate with students and parents, and the FUSE suite of teaching resources.

The website will continue to be updated with more resources and advice over the coming weeks and will be available to Independent and Catholic schools.

Many schools are already experienced in supporting student learning online. Schools are also preparing to provide online, hard copy and USB education options that can be completed by students at home. We are currently working with internet providers to give students without internet connection at home access to 4G.

Any decision to close a school will be made on the recommendation of Victoria’s Chief Health Officer – this will be communicated immediately to all parents, students and staff at the affected school or schools.