MANY parents have spoken about their struggles whole home-schooling their children in the third lockdown.

Parents in all over the UK have become teachers at home, trying to create a routine for young people missing out on their traditional education.

Schools in East Lancashire have given parents study packs and online learning resources to do at home, but not every parent is managing to get all the work done every day.

Kirsty Jane from Hyndburn said: “I think the schools are expecting too much from us. The school our children attend anyway.

“As a family of six with a baby, university life and other things going on, it’s definitely taking its toll. The children can only do so much and with the time we have, yet the school say ALL work MUST be done.”

Jo Atkins works from home and said it is hard to work and teach at the same time. She said: “I've got two primary aged kids and I’m trying to run a new business.

“No work is done for the business until the kids are sorted out. My six- year-old is needing constant help leaving the 10-year-old to fend for herself most of the time. In between feeling like a maid, housekeeper, referee, stationary shop and chef.

“To be fair I think the teachers are doing a sterling job and deserve a big pay rise. The hours they put in are unreal.”

Vicky Skene is juggling a degree while teaching her two children. She said: “It's a nightmare, I'm currently doing my masters and I have to be online myself. I have a child in each room as they are all online and me and my daughter have to both sit in the living room which is not ideal when both online.

“My youngest child is not online and requires me to home school him which has to be done in between my own lectures.”

Another problem for some parents is the resources needed to teach their children, as some work requires using a laptop or PC.

Unfortunately, not everyone a device or more for other children and therefore, cannot complete their work.

Phil Boulding from Secret Santa Blackburn and his team are collecting and donating laptops and PCs to children on free school meals that do not have them at home.

He said: “Blackburn is one of the poorest towns in the country and many families are living in child poverty.

“We have had several laptops and PCs donated to us and have 15 going out this week.

“Over 70 people responded to us that they needed a device, which highlights the huge problem.”

Jade Stanley also found it difficult to home-school her children. She said: “I have a 7-year-old girl and a nine- month-old boy who was born on the week we went into lockdown.

“My partner is also working full time from home, between home schooling, cooking, cleaning, sorting out the baby, I really struggle.”

Kim Cougill from Whalley said: "I have decided to do home schooling around my shift pattern as I am a Police officer. I am lucky enough to have enough IT at home but zoom with two children who want support and help is very challenging."

But, not everyone is finding it too hard, as Charlotte Allen said: “Definitely harder to keep them interested in doing work at home, but doing her best and working hard."