Schools switch to email letters home

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.