Children's experiences during the pandemic vary greatly, as does their access to  educational resources and support. The huge discrepancy between children's experiences is widening the gap between the most and least advantaged in society. The National Curriculum as a tool for delivering education is not sufficiently flexible to meet the vastly different needs of children during the pandemic and should therefore be revoked for the remainder of the academic year.

Keeping up with the National Curriculum is putting undue pressure on teachers and parents and is not producing the best learning outcomes for children. 

Switching to a project based approach with an emphasis on learning through play would enable teachers and parents to better meet the individual needs of the children in their care. 

Child-led learning has a great deal of support and enabling children to choose their own topic will increase motivation. Topics can be chosen to fit with the child's environment, interests and available resources which will minimise frustration and maximise engagement. 

Teachers can then be better able to provide the in school education for the children in school and support children online in smaller, more focussed groups as appropriate. 

By removing the constraints of the National Curriculum, empowering parents and trusting teachers, we will increase the chances of children thriving and staying curious and engaged with learning.