BBC 'will teach' pupils if schools close

The BBC may increase its educational output if schools close due to swine flu in the autumn, it has been reported.

According to The Daily Telegraph, Government ministers have already consulted the corporation over the possible role its channels could play in contingency plans.

As yet, there have been no strong indications that schools and nurseries are likely to shut due to the ongoing spread of the virus. However, the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) has stated that it "cannot be certain what the situation will be" later in the year.

A BBC spokeswoman confirmed: "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.

"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."

Meanwhile, a DCSF representative said: "It would be unfair to comment on any ongoing work with specific bodies at this point, especially when we strongly expect schools to reopen as normal in September. We are, of course, looking at a range of contingency plans."

The corporation was last week criticised for stocking up on doses of the swine flu drug Tamiflu. A spokeswoman defended the BBC's position by claiming that it needed supplies to be easily accessible for workers who are located abroad.