Obviously the best and safest place for experimental work in science and technology is in the laboratory or workshop. There are however, some occasions when it may be desirable for learners to carry out some simple practical work at home; and not only as a result of Covid-19 restrictions.  Some possible scenarios could be:

  1. If it turns out that circumstances change and the full opening of schools to all pupils in August is not practicable by that date.
  2. If there is a second (or third) wave of Covid-19 cases that require some schools to be closed again.
  3. If there are learners or groups of them who need to isolate for 14 days after an alert from the Test and Protect programme.
  4. Where individual learners have issues that prevent them from attending school for a significant period – obviously with them being well enough to be able to work.
  5. If practical work is a part of activities to enable leaners to catch up during holidays, for instance, after a lengthy absence perhaps.

If practical work is to be undertaken at home, it is important that the right activities are chose and that the correct procedures are followed to enable it to happen safely. Details of how to do this can be found from our guidance document that can be downloaded here