: "Government’s five tests are being
met."
It has been over two and a half months since schools, higher
education colleges and nurseries were asked to remain open
only for vulnerable children and those of critical workers.
The Secretary told MPs that it is vital to get children back
in school as soon as the scientific advice indicates that it
is good to do so. Mr Williamson said “the Government’s five
tests are being met, and we’re beginning to ease the lockdown
restrictions across England.”
Pupils in Reception, Year one and Year six have been
returning in smaller class sizes, alongside the children of
critical workers and vulnerable children of all ages.
Speaking about the expectations put on schools preparing to
welcome students he said:
“I know that schools need time to put in place these strict
protective measures that we’ve asked for, and we continue to
work with the sector.”
The Education Secretary assured the House that “SAGE’s “R”
estimate for the whole of the UK is below one.”
Speaking about the next step of the Government’s phased
approached, he said:
"From 15 June secondary schools and colleges will be able to
provide face to face support for Years 10 and Years 12, and
students aged 16 –19 in the first year of a two year study
program who are due to take key exams next year."
Mr Williamson added that detailed guidance has been provided
on the protective measures that schools and other settings
need to take to reduce the risk of transmission. He added
“this includes restricting class sizes, limiting mixing
between groups and encouraging regular hand washing and
frequent cleaning. This advice was developed in close
consultation with Public Health England.”
He added: “We will be working to bring all children back to
school in September.”
Rebecca Long Bailey: "there needs to be a national
plan for education.”
Replying on behalf of the Opposition, Shadow Education
Secretary, Rebecca Long
Bailey began by stating her dismay at the handling
of plans to re-open education settings.
She said:
“Children and young peoples’ education and well-being will
have been impacted cruelly by such a prolonged period away
from school.”
The Shadow Secretary added a comment from the Children’s
Commissioner: “The risk I am most concerned about is that of
a generation of children losing over six months of formal
education, socialising with friends and structured routine.
I’m also concerned about a deepening education disadvantage
gap that could leave millions of children without education
they need to progress in life.”
The Shadow Secretary told the House that “there needs to be a
national plan for education” and asked the Education
Secretary if he would commit to bringing together children's
organisations, trade unions, parents associations, health and
psychological experts, Ofqual, school leaders and head
teachers to develop that plan?
She also asked if in the immediate term the Secretary will
consider issuing guidance that all children of compulsory
school age should have a one on one meeting with a teacher
from their school, and parents if appropriate before the
summer holidays start. Ms Long Bailey also asked if the
Secretary would commit to increasing the resources available
for summer scheme to help re-engage children socially and
emotionally.
UNISON head of education Jon Richards said:
“This was the right thing to do. As important as it is to
open up schools, the challenges of bringing back all children
in the next few weeks would simply have been too great.
“There have already been Covid cases in schools and many
support staff and parents remain understandably anxious.
“Many schools simply don’t have the space to put in place the
new rules, nor enough masks and preventative kit to fill
staff with confidence. This delay will allow time to ensure
the essential test, trace and isolate system is fully
working.
“Confidence needs to be rebuilt amongst parents and staff to
ensure a safe return so young people don’t miss out on any
more of their education and parents can get back to work.
“Unions will continue to work with ministers to ensure the
September opening can happen safely and vulnerable families
get all the support they need.”
