ASCL: Meeting with Education Secretary on coronavirus emergency

Speaking ahead of a meeting this afternoon with the Secretary of State for Education about the coronavirus emergency, Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

“We welcome the opportunity to speak to the Secretary of State for Education today about the implications for schools and colleges of the coronavirus emergency with the aim of working together to support the learning and wellbeing of children and young people during this crisis.

“The concerns we will be raising with him are the challenges of keeping open schools and colleges when a growing number of staff are away from work because they are self-isolating; the potential for disruption to GCSE and A-levels and what contingencies will be put in place; and how we ensure children in poverty do not go hungry and that vulnerable young people are safeguarded if schools are closed.

“We aim to work through these issues in order to arrive at constructive solutions about the way ahead. School and college leaders are showing calm and assured leadership in these difficult times and we can reassure the public that everything that can be done to support young people will be done.”