Commenting on new research from Teacher Tapp published by Sutton
Trust, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the
National Education Union, said:
"This report is further evidence that pupils from more deprived
backgrounds are being hit hardest by coronavirus. is presiding over rapidly
growing social divides. The report also makes abundantly clear
that the Department for Education is paying no heed to the issues
that are facing the most disadvantaged pupils, which teachers,
support staff and school leaders have been highlighting
throughout the pandemic. The roll-out of laptops was unforgivably
slow, making remote learning harder for pupils, parents and
teachers alike. The Prime Minister's tin ear when it came to an
extension of free school meals at the height of the pandemic was
a saddening indication that the Government may well talk loudly
about how schools are vital, but actions are more important than
words. They had no real strategy for schools during Covid and
continue to have an inadequate approach to education
recovery.
"This is not a decisive Government. It must give schools the
equipment they need to ensure proper ventilation in schools and
colleges in an attempt to keep Covid infection down. Every
classroom that needs an air purifier should be supplied with one
to ensure staff and pupils’ health and keep absences as low as
possible. It simply isn’t good enough to rely on a workforce of
retired teachers appearing from thin air.”
