Source: www.channel4.com

The BBC could be asked to clear its schedules for educational programmes if schools are closed due to swine flu, it has emerged.

Ministers are understood to have had discussions with the Corporation as part of its “contingency planning” for the pandemic.

Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union, said: “The Government drew up plans to deal with a flu pandemic more than 18 months ago which give indications for contingency plans, including online learning and discussions with broadcasters including the BBC and Teachers TV.”

Since the swine flu pandemic was declared, ministers have begun those discussions, she said.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) has previously said that while it expects schools and nurseries to reopen as usual in September, they “cannot be certain what the situation will be”, so some closures may be possible.

A spokesman said they were looking at contingency plans in the event of school closures.

A BBC spokeswoman said the broadcaster has a “strong role” to play in providing information and health advice during the pandemic.

She said that in the event of school closures, the BBC website would have the “most important” role for school children.

“Throughout the year, the BBC always looks carefully at its available audiences and, as with holiday periods for example, it may be appropriate to run a similar schedule for children depending on how long the schools are closed,” she said.

“While it would be impractical to make new educational TV programmes in the time available, we would look at whether programmes of an educational or informative nature could interest children who are not at school.”