RTÉ has confirmed that it will broadcast over an hour of “school on TV” to support primary school children and their parents at home.

It is part of a cross-platform teaching initiative that has been developed by RTÉ at short notice with the support of the Department of Education.

The one-hour programme will begin on Monday.

It will run from 11-12 Monday to Friday on RTÉ 2, with a shorter “catch-up” segment later in the afternoon. It will be aimed particularly at children in 1st to 6th class.

The TV programme will be produced by an Independent production company and will be presented from a real primary school classroom by teachers with television experience.

The programme will also be available on the RTÉ Player and supporting worksheets and other material will be on RTE.ie/learn.

RTÉ said the programme would be educational, but also fun and engaging.