School closings: Blanquer does not want any children "by the wayside"

Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer reminded Thursday evening that the total closure of the schools did not mean that the students were on vacation, stressing that "no child should stay by the wayside" during this lesson period remotely.

"The period which opens is not a period when children must not work, on the contrary, they are in a situation of continuity, simply the modalities evolve", declared the minister during a press point in the process of Emmanuel Macron's speech.

Flagship measure of the speech of the Head of State, the closure of nurseries, schools and universities was decided "until further notice" to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

Jean-Michel Blanquer also clarified that it was "premature to fix a date" for the end of this exceptional measure in the history of National Education. But he spoke of a closure at least until the end of the spring break.

Regarding the establishment of distance education, the Ministry undertakes to "support those who do not have computer equipment", or about 5% of students, thanks to the support of local authorities.

"What is important is that no child stays by the side of the road," he insisted.

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Mr. Blanquer also confirmed the project announced by Emmanuel Macron of a minimum daycare service for the children of caregivers or workers essential to the management of the crisis. "It will take a while," he warned.

With regard to examinations and competitions, Mr. Blanquer declared himself in favor of keeping them "on a case-by-case basis", without giving further details.

A few hours before Emmanuel Macron's speech, Jean-Michel Blanquer had assured that a total closure of schools was not on the agenda. Blanquer said the shift was triggered by recommendations from "scientists who felt there was an acceleration of the epidemic, bringing the country to a new stage".