LGA statement on summer schools

Cllr Judith Blake, Chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board, said:

“Teachers have done a fantastic job keeping schools open to vulnerable families and children of key workers during the coronavirus pandemic and more recently expanding schools to more pupils.

“Councils have been working closely with schools and recognise that teachers and school staff need some well-deserved rest following what has been a challenging time.

“However, it is vital that children do not fall further behind in their development.

“With the summer holidays rapidly approaching, we are calling on the Government to urgently start a conversation with local authorities and schools to provide clarity on what exactly it is proposing to help children to catch-up on any school work they may have missed out on during lockdown.

“The Government will need to ensure vulnerable families and children of key workers have clarity about what support is available to them over the summer holidays when most schools will be closed.