The Government has today announced the appointment of Sir
as the
government’s Education Recovery Commissioner, to oversee a
comprehensive programme of catch-up aimed at young people who
have lost out on learning due to the pandemic.
The reopening of schools is a national priority. The Prime
Minister recognises that school closures have had a huge impact
on children’s learning and has pledged to work with parents,
teachers and schools to develop a long-term plan to make sure
pupils have the chance to make up their learning over the course
of this Parliament.
Sir Kevan will lead this work. He is a prominent figure in
education, having worked in the sector for over 30 years as a
teacher, a Director of Children’s Services and most recently as
Chief Executive of the Education Endowment Foundation.
In his new role, he will work with government to deliver measures
that will support children who have missed out on face-to-face
education due to extended school closures.
This will include addressing factors such as curriculum content
and quantity of teaching time in the coming months, to ensure the
impact the pandemic has had on learning is addressed as quickly
and comprehensively as possible.
Earlier this month the Prime Minister committed to providing a
huge programme of catch up, recognising that the disruption of
this year has had a huge impact which will take more than a year
to make up.
This will involve a further £300 million on tutoring programmes,
building on last year’s £1 billion Covid Catch Up fund, as well
as potential plans for summer schools developed in partnership
with the education sector.
Prime Minister said:
“I am absolutely determined that no child will be left behind as
a result of the pandemic.
“Our top priority is to get schools open again and once they are,
we will make sure that teachers and students are equipped with
the resources and the time they need to make up for lost
learning.
“I am delighted that Sir Kevan has been appointed to lead this
vital work – his experience and expertise will help ensure every
young person is supported to catch up on their education and gain
the skills and knowledge they need to be able to seize
opportunities in future.”
Education Secretary said:
“Sir Kevan brings a wealth of experience in education policy that
I know will be invaluable in supporting all the young people who
have been impacted by the pandemic.
“He will be a tremendous asset to those young people, their
families, and everyone working in education who have my lasting
gratitude for their efforts to support young people throughout
the pandemic.
“I look forward to working with Sir Kevan as we deliver our
existing National Tutoring Programme that is already reaching
tens of thousands of young people who need it most, expand our
catch up provision for this year and work on the longer term
recovery to make sure every young person has the opportunity to
progress and fulfil their potential.”
Sir Kevan will report directly to the Education Secretary and the
Prime Minister, and will consult closely with parents, teachers
and schools as part of his role.
While schools have been closed to the majority of pupils, the
government has been doing everything possible to support children
to learn from home. The Department for Education has purchased
more than one million laptops and tablets for disadvantaged young
people, supporting them to access remote education.
Oak National Academy was also set up last year and is backed by
government – with 10,000 online lessons created by teachers
available.
The government is due to set out further details on its approach
to re-opening schools as part of its plan for leaving lockdown,
which will be published in mid-February.
