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BBC Children’s Director to delay departure to aid with “uncertainty and flux”

Alice Webb

Alice Webb, who was set to leave the BBC this week, to join Eagle Rock Entertainment as CEO is to extend her stay at the BBC for “a couple of weeks.”

It comes following the coronavirus pandemic and that schools are now closing.

She explained to staff that she would remain at MediaCityUK to deal with the “uncertainty and flux”.

Earlier this week, the BBC announced that it would providing additional educational material for children, including a daily programme for each of the key stages. It would also increase the amount of BBC Bitesize content and add more programmes to the iPlayer.

BBC Sounds would also be running 2 educational podcasts, one for primary and one for secondary education.

BBC Newsround has created a range of resource for children about Coronavirus, including Q&As with Dr Chris and Dr Xand; psychologist Laverne Antrobus offering expert advice about how to cope with the anxiety of Coronavirus; and presenters demonstrating through fun videos what social distancing is and how to wash hands correctly and effective cleaning of devices.

The presenters have also interviewed kids affected by the virus as they explain the school closures in their countries and how Coronavirus is impacting them.

From Monday 23 March Newsround bulletin times on CBBC will be 9:15am, 12:10pm and 4pm. All bulletins will be available on BBC iPlayer.

“Newsround has a history of being there for kids and giving them a voice in challenging times. Now, more than ever children need clear news to enable them to understand what is happening around them,” said Paul Plunkett , Editor of Newsround.

“Providing this content as well as changing the bulletin times will ensure kids can keep informed and up to date as well as enjoying some light-hearted relief.”

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