Schools Minister will face questions from
the Education Committee on the science
behind school closures, plans for reopening and how the DfE is
protecting the most vulnerable children during the COVID-19
outbreak.
The session is part of the
ongoing inquiry into the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on
education and children’s services and is likely
to focus on the criteria required for schools to reopen and the
scientific advice that underpins them, as well as what needs to
be done to ensure disadvantaged pupils are not further
left-behind further as a result of the pandemic.
Members are also likely to want to raise the issue of free school
meal vouchers and the role of Edenred and could also question the
Minister on the online learning offer, exam cancellations and
calculated grades.
Rt Hon , Chair of the Education
Committee, said:
“There is huge and understandable concern that every day our
young people are away from the classroom harms their prospects,
with disadvantaged pupils at particular risk of falling behind
still further. Increasing evidence suggests
that a significant number of children from disadvantaged
backgrounds have not had access to online learning, or even any
education at all. The Children's Commissioner has warned that
these children particularly are exposed to 'a cocktail of
secondary risks' during the lockdown.
Dedicated teachers and support staff have been working hard
over the last couple of months to ensure children get the best
education possible from home, but there can be no substitute for
them being back amongst their friends at school, learning again
and getting the vital pastoral care that schools provide.
I know there is much debate over how and when to reopen our
schools, but everyone involved in education will be united in
their commitment and determination to do the very best for our
young people. It is important that reopening is guided by the
science and we will be pressing the Minister on what is being
done to ensure the safest possible learning environment for
pupils and staff.
The Committee is also dedicated to protecting our most
vulnerable children and will be asking what is being done by the
DfE to help disadvantaged pupils catch up and protect them from
the worst effects of the pandemic.”
Witness schedule
From 0930am
• MP, Minister of State
for School Standards
• , Director
for Early Years and Schools, Department for Education
