Covid-19: Schools

Mr Thomas emphasises the need for improved communication between schools and government departments, clearer criteria for essential workers' children attending school, and fairer allocation of pupil premium funding. He also addresses concerns about additional expectations on covid testing and suggests that good models of remote learning should be expanded to cater to those who do not access mainstream education.

Compliments his hon. Friend for securing the debate and acknowledges their shared experiences with rural and coastal constituencies. He commends the Government for keeping schools open despite urging to close from some unions, praising headteachers and staff for handling difficult situations during the pandemic. Mentions the challenges of school closures, remote learning transitions, and the impact on teachers classified as clinically vulnerable or shielding. Acknowledges the efforts of special needs schools and highlights several local schools in West Dorset that have excelled in their educational efforts. Requests the Minister to consider prioritising teacher vaccinations.

Congratulates the hon. Member for St Ives on securing the debate and acknowledges the efforts of teachers, support staff, and headteachers in responding to the challenges posed by the pandemic. Highlights the current situation where attendance is limited due to high transmission rates, and expresses commitment to reviewing restrictions and ensuring children return to face-to-face education as soon as possible. Acknowledges feedback on guidance and assures that changes are being made to improve their approach. Mentions the roll-out of rapid result asymptomatic testing in secondary schools for staff and pupils, and the provision of home testing kits for primary school staff. Emphasises the £1 billion catch-up package including a catch-up premium worth £650 million to support schools in making up for lost time outside the classroom. Discusses remote education guidance and the provision of laptops and tablets for students since the start of the pandemic, along with funding for the Oak National Academy. Acknowledges rising school budgets by £2.6 billion in 2020-21 and additional funding provided to cover costs associated with the COVID outbreak. Mentions the £8 million wellbeing-for-education-return training programme supporting staff during the pandemic.