Jan
28
Return of schools and colleges
Author: Chloe Smith, Updated: 28 January 2021 12:03
Yesterday, the Prime Minister announced that schools and colleges will not be able to return to full face-to-face education until after the February half-term, in order to minimise the spread of the virus in communities, protect public health and save lives.
While Covid rates have started to fall, it remains of the utmost importance to minimise the spread of the virus in our communities, so that our NHS can continue its world leading efforts to roll out the vaccine.
That is why, although schools remain safe, it will not be possible to re-open them immediately after the February half term.
To help children’s learning throughout this difficult period the Government has announced that free school meal arrangements will continue whilst schools remain closed, and a further £300 million of new money will be delivered to schools to support tutoring. The Government will also work with the education sector to develop initiatives for summer schools and a Covid Premium to support pupils to catch up.
I have recently written to head teachers of secondary schools in Norwich North inviting them to take part in the Government consultation about how to proceed with exams in the light of Covid
It is important to me that voices from Norwich are heard in Westminster, especially when the decision carries such importance and I stand ready to take any issues that they may have forward to ministers that are not covered in the consultation.
Chloe Smith