Schools switch to email letters home

It's not so easy to stop your parents getting an email... unless they don't have a computer...

By Will Sturgeon, 13 May 2002 07:50

NEWS Schools are to combat the problem of letters home getting 'lost in the post' with a plan to switch over to emailing information to parents. Parents will be able to opt in to receive email correspondence from their child's school as part of the UK government's drive to get services online by 2005. Education Minister John Healey says the time is right for such an offering now, given that almost all schools and 40 per cent of homes are wired up to the internet. However, it also highlights the growing digital divide in the UK. In poorer areas, where fewer people are connected to the internet, but where there is arguably a greater need for increased communication between schools and parent, the majority will still be unable to take advantage of the offering. For parents despairing at the habit of important letters being found in coat pocket six months late - or letters relating to disciplinary matters going missing - the scheme will offer a welcome change to the paper-based system presently used.

Post your comment

In order to post a comment you need to be registered and logged in.

Log in or create your silicon.com account below

Will not be displayed with your comment

By signing up for this service, you indicate that you agree to our Terms and Conditions and have read and understood our Privacy Policy.

Questions about membership? Find the answers in the Membership FAQ