Commenting on a new analysis published today by the National
Foundation for Educational Research which looks at the
differences in the cost of learning during the Covid-19 pandemic,
Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education
Union, said:
"Since March schools have been in uncharted territory and they
have been doing all they can to support pupils. Heads and
teachers are all too aware of the disparity in home learning and
the lack of engagement that remote learning can foster. For some
families this is exacerbated by the impact of poverty and
unsuitable home environments such as lack of space and IT
equipment. The Government's effort to meet IT need has been
sluggish and inconsistent.
"The NEU has spoken up for disadvantaged children throughout this
crisis. According to IPPR, there will be 200,000 more children
living in poverty by Christmas, and the gap between disadvantage
children and their peers was prevalent before Covid-19. It is now
time for the Government to ensure no child is left behind by
ending the scourge of child poverty."
"We agree that fining parents in September for non-attendance is
not a solution. As the report highlights, Black children are more
likely to live within a household with an at-risk adult. In many
cases fining parents will only alienate the very pupils that
schools want to reach out to the most. Blanket policies of full
attendance are not fair or helpful and are the wrong message to
send out from Government to parents who are trying to act
responsibly during a pandemic.
"The Department for Education has displayed a curious silence
around how schools are supposed to be able to provide enough
targeted support, and address the amount of learning time missed.
We think Government could be doing much more to make targeted
support possible, which requires small class sizes and groups,
additional teachers and a flexible curriculum. All of this is
essential as many students will need much more individual
attention on their return.
"Keeping a broad and balanced curriculum will be essential from
September. It is proven to be the case that a wide range of
experiences at school is key to motivating and engaging
disadvantaged pupils. We must build back better for the sake of
all young people."
