Education: Return in January

Question

The MP questions the availability of vaccination slots, misinformation about vaccines, access to lateral flow tests, interim findings from Bradford air purification trial, adequacy of 7,000 devices for ventilation improvement, CO2 monitoring device distribution timeline, discussions with the Chancellor on funding support, advice on face coverings necessity with higher vaccine levels and better ventilation, numbers of volunteers answering call for help, guarantees about exams continuing amidst pandemic challenges.

Question

Asked for reassurance that there is no plan B for exams in summer; they will proceed as normal under rigorous grading of pre-pandemic levels.

Question

Suggested having Ofsted inspectors return to classrooms to make inspections more efficient.

Question

Asked if asymptomatic testing and subsequent mask-wearing is proportionate, requested evidence study publication.

Question

Inquired about funding for catch-up teachers and laptop replacements from school funds.

Question

Asked if masks could be ended as soon as possible given the inconveniences, suggested data needs more work to be conclusive.

Question

Referring to a local teacher's concerns about underfunding issues affecting schools in Barnsley East, the MP asks what investment the Government will put into Barnsley schools.

Question

Asking the Secretary of State to confirm categorically that every step is being taken to keep schools safely open.

Question

Asking why only 8,000 air purifiers were announced for over 300,000 classrooms and why Dyson brand was chosen.

Question

Asking about the evidence on mask effectiveness and what guidance is being issued regarding the type of masks children should wear.

Question

Concerning how university students will be guaranteed access to tests before returning to campus, especially in Nottingham.

Question

Questioning the classroom mask mandate and asking for an exit strategy.

Question

Concerning how the Secretary of State will ensure fair assessment opportunities for all students given different infection levels across the country.

Question

It is vital that schools remain open and I warmly welcome my right hon. Friend’s clear determination to keep them open. However, the mask mandate will cause harm to all children in terms of concentration, their educational development and social interactions. A teacher has written to me saying three of his pupils who are partially deaf rely on lip-reading and their experience over the next few weeks will be awful as they are denied normal interactions. What can my right hon. Friend say to those children to ensure that they will not be left behind?

Question

The Government’s failure to address ventilation in schools, offering only 7,000 air-cleaning units when there are well over 20,000 schools and 300,000 classrooms, is another example of treating children's education as an afterthought. Schools have been asking children as young as four to come to school in extra layers so that the windows can be kept open in winter.

Question

My constituents believe that it is of paramount importance to keep schools going, no matter the circumstances. I welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement and its clarity, which contrasts with the Opposition's confusion.

Question

Local directors of public health have been important in fighting covid. The Member for York Central raised with the Prime Minister the issue of real-time information getting to local directors of public health. Can you give an assurance that the information from school testing will be given timely to local directors?

Question

Congratulate the Secretary of State on his work to keep children in classrooms learning. So many have fallen behind over the past two years. Will he say more about implementing plans for catch-up?

Question

Thank the right hon. Gentleman for his positive statement. What discussions have been held with devolved Administrations on ensuring children, particularly those with exams coming up, are taught at school? Will additional funding be available?

Question

Grateful for the Secretary of State’s answer about the £4.9 billion for catch-up. Going forward, extending school days could ensure pupils are taught to their best ability.

Question

Happy new year. Keeping pupils in school is crucial for attainment and learning, but mental health has been considered a priority in keeping schools open.

Question

Welcomes the Secretary of State’s commitment to keeping schools open, acknowledges staffing challenges due to lower health risk to children and emerging evidence about omicron variant. Asks if the scheme promoting people returning to classrooms is still open, and how constituents can sign up. Also inquires about support or advice for shortages of cleaners and other important roles in schools.