Additional Government funding for schools welcomed in Norfolk

The Government’s announcement of a £1 billion Covid catch-up plan which will help head teachers to provide extra support to children who have fallen behind while out of school has been welcomed in Norfolk.

The most disadvantaged pupils will have access to tutors through a £350m programme over the next academic year. This will help accelerate their progress and prevent the educational attainment gap widening – ensuring we don’t reverse the progress the Conservatives have made since 2010.

Primary and secondary schools will be given £650m to spend on one-to-one or group tuition for any pupils they think need it.

Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North commented “This is good for Norwich kids and particularly the most disadvantaged. What pupils need most now is to get back to school to learn, to play and so much more. I thank teachers in our city for what they’ve done throughout the pandemic and I know they’ll be innovating even further to get all children back to the classroom as soon as possible. This fund will help them make sure every child gets the education they need.”

Cabinet member for Childrens’ Services at Norfolk County Council, Cllr John Fisher, said “I am determined to get all children back to school from September and I am will urge county council officers and Norfolk’s schools to work with the government to bring forward plans on how this will happen as soon as possible. We cannot afford for any of our children to lose out as a result of Covid-19 as it is important that every young person in Norfolk gets the education and opportunity they deserve. Children need to be in schools.”

This builds on the work the Government has already provided to ensure no child is left behind, such as a £100 million investment in remote education – including delivering laptops and internet access to those who need them most. This is also on top of the £14 billion three-year funding settlement announced last year – recognising the additional work schools will need to do to help students to catch up to help enabling head teachers provide extra support to children who have fallen behind, through interventions like small group tuition – which evidence shows is particularly effective.