Commenting on a new report published today (Friday 14 May 2021)
by the Education Policy Institute (EPI) on the funding and steps
needed to reverse pandemic learning loss, Paul Whiteman, general
secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:
“Investment in education over the rest of this parliament needs
to match the government’s stated ambition to not leave any child
behind. That means not just dedicating enough money from
Treasury, it also means ensuring that money reaches the children
who need it most, and in the most effective ways.
“At the very least, the UK government needs to match the
investment we have seen in other developed nations like the USA
and Holland. Anything less from our government would be
short-changing young people.
“Some children have been more negatively affected by the pandemic
than others, and it is those from disadvantaged backgrounds that
educators are most concerned about. It’s vital that any package
the government puts together reaches those areas that we know to
be the hardest to reach – from ensuring sufficient high quality
access to tutors in every part of the country, and timely access
to the support services children need, to giving schools the
flexibility to focus their efforts on what they know works best
and aim the money where it is most needed.
"The education recovery plan must focus on more than just
academic 'catch-up', by providing investment in extra-curricula
activities - including the arts and sport – while addressing
mental-health and wellbeing concerns that have grown through
lockdown. There are no quick or easy fixes here – the only way to
ensure successful recovery for all is sustained, long-term
investment and an evidence-led approach that doesn’t overwhelm
children. The government needs to listen to the profession on
recovery and get it right, or they risk doing more harm than
good.”