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Covid-19: Impact on Attendance in Education Settings
30 June 2021
Lead MP
Gavin Williamson
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Parliamentary Procedure
Other Contributors: 41
At a Glance
Gavin Williamson raised concerns about covid-19: impact on attendance in education settings in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Gavin Williamson, Minister of State for School Standards, addressed an urgent question focusing on the return of students to normal schooling amid the ongoing pandemic. He emphasised that since March 8th, millions of children have returned to school and as of June 24th, over 99.8% of state-funded schools were open, ensuring that children's education is prioritised despite the challenges posed by the virus. Williamson acknowledged parents' frustrations with isolation measures but highlighted the necessity to maintain these restrictions temporarily while continuously assessing data to make informed decisions on further easing them as part of the Government’s cautious road map towards normalcy. He committed to working closely with the Health Secretary, scientists and public health experts in formulating plans for a more relaxed approach to school operations by September. Williamson also expressed his gratitude towards teachers who have shown dedication during these challenging times and reaffirmed the government's commitment to keeping children's education and freedom at the forefront.
Kate Green
Lab
Stretford and Urmston
Question
Green inquired about the government's plan regarding daily contact testing and its impact on reducing coronavirus cases within schools, urging for immediate action rather than waiting until September. She also criticised the government’s decision to abandon mask policies in schools and requested scientific evidence justifying this move. Additionally, she questioned whether children isolating over summer would still receive free meals and when guidance from Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation regarding vaccinating older children would be available.
Minister reply
Williamson confirmed that trials for daily contact testing are ongoing with Public Health England expected to report back soon. He emphasised the intention to lift more restrictions and bubbles in schools as part of the next step but highlighted this decision needs cross-Government approval. Williamson also defended the government’s handling of school re-openings against criticisms from Labour, stating their opposition to early return of children to classrooms.
Robert Halfon
Con
Southend West
Question
Halfon raised concerns about 300,000 children being sent home due to the virus and 93,500 missing over half their schooling. He urged for immediate establishment of mobile testing units before September and a comprehensive plan involving the Department, local authorities, and schools to ensure these students return properly.
Minister reply
Williamson acknowledged the issue of low attendance and introduced REACT teams comprising DFE teams, regional commissioners, local authorities, police forces, and schools. He highlighted extensive testing in schools with 57 million tests conducted already and confirmed plans for lifting restrictions in step four to ensure all children can benefit from summer activities.
Question
Will the Secretary of State stop this dither and delay? On education matters, everyone in this House should be united. Families want certainty. The summer holiday could be an opportunity for a vast number of national volunteers to work with children, to give them vital support they are missing because of missed school education. Come on, Secretary of State, take the lead and do something positive.
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his thoughts. We have outlined that we will look towards lifting restrictions, especially bubbles, as part of the next step of the road map. The Government will announce the next step in the near future.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
I am delighted that the Government prioritised the reopening of schools; rolling out regular testing as we do so will ensure not only stopping the spread but also preventing children from being unnecessarily sent home and missing education. At the same time, tests must be carried out properly.
Minister reply
Absolutely agree. More than 50 million tests have been conducted across schools and colleges. Testing has been an important part of getting schools reopened.
Daisy Cooper
Lib Dem
St Albans
Question
The number of children missing school is rising every day, while the Government are too slow to react; will the Government act now and establish a rapid taskforce with public health directors and school leaders, with a mandate to keep schools open safely?
Minister reply
Schools are open right across the country and welcoming millions of children. We continue to take action to ensure we do everything we can to maximise the number of children there. Step 4 will see lifting more restrictions.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Question
I welcome my right hon. Friend’s work to keep schools open and his ambition to see the end of the bubble system; may I ask him to look at a cohort of children who risk being caught up negatively by covid guidance: those due to start primary school this September? Will my right hon. Friend take action to ensure that settling-in sessions can happen?
Minister reply
There is flexibility for schools, for those key transition years, to have some level of familiarisation with those children; will share the information with my hon. Friend.
Tahir Ali
Lab
Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley
Question
The number of children self-isolating has quadrupled during this month because of increases in cases of covid; following this sharp rise, more children are now able to learn online from home with the IT equipment and internet access provided by the Government. Will the Secretary of State ensure that children keep the laptops and return them only when they leave school at year 6 or 11?
Minister reply
The investment in IT equipment is there to help pupils; although those laptops are the property of the schools, we very much want the schools to prioritise using them to help disadvantaged children.
Neil Hudson
Con
Epping Forest
Question
We all know that the pandemic has caused many young people to miss out on vital learning experiences; does my right hon. Friend agree that these centres can be a key part of the solution and will he look into his Department directly supporting and utilising these assets to achieve educational recovery?
Minister reply
As part of step 3 of the road map, we lifted restrictions so people could do overnight residential; my hon. Friend is right to highlight the benefits of outdoor education centres.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Question
The Government have consistently let down our children; shockingly, one child in 20 was out of school last week and case numbers are still rising. Will the Secretary of State commit to reviewing the use of the bubble system and implementing recommendations now rather than waiting until autumn?
Minister reply
I will happily pass on a copy of Hansard to the hon. Gentleman, so he can reference what I said earlier in response to this urgent question.
Question
The Secretary of State is right to push back on Labour; they were not huge champions of getting schools back. What I really wanted to ask him was about testing: given that covid will be endemic, is he suggesting we are going to test schoolchildren regularly? We need to move back to normal.
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend raises a very interesting and thoughtful point; ideally, I want to move away from testing at the earliest and most realistic possible stage.
Stephen Timms
Lab
East Ham
Question
My hon. Friend pointed out that there is a risk children may have to isolate and stay home during holiday activities; can the Secretary of State give an assurance that, whatever happens, children who are entitled to access food support over the summer will still be able to do so?
Minister reply
I can absolutely assure the right hon. Gentleman that changes as part of the road map that would lead to lifting restrictions and bubbles within schools would take effect for the summer holidays.
Greg Clark
Con
Isle of Wight
Question
Professor Sir Andrew Pollard has stated that high protection against hospitalisation means the public health crisis is over. Does my right hon Friend understand we must focus on hospitalisation rather than case numbers and testing?
Minister reply
The minister agrees with the sentiment and wants to ensure children are not restricted due to unnecessary measures.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
What discussions has the Secretary of State had with school principals and regional Assemblies to reduce negative impacts on academic development? What steps can he take to ensure pandemic-readiness?
Minister reply
The minister emphasises collaboration with devolved Administrations and highlights work done in Northern Ireland.
Question
Bury has more than 2,000 children self-isolating. Can the Secretary of State agree we need to learn to live with covid-19 and remove school bubbles and self-isolation requirements?
Minister reply
The minister agrees that easing restrictions will benefit children.
Mitcham and Morden
Question
Children in disadvantaged areas are more likely to be self-isolating without the necessary equipment for remote learning. Will the Secretary of State ensure free school meals recipients have access to data and devices?
Minister reply
The minister cites investment in 1.3 million devices to support children.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Question
Can the Secretary of State assure that there will be no return to bubbles and self-isolation when children return for the autumn term?
Minister reply
The minister expects restrictions to ease and does not anticipate a return to previous rules.
Caroline Lucas
Green
Brighton, Pavilion
Question
Why has the Secretary of State not prioritised better ventilation in classrooms as suggested by health organisations? Are there plans for testing pilots?
Minister reply
The minister claims all necessary protective measures are being implemented.
Question
Pupils self-isolating have risen sharply. Would the Secretary of State consider a pilot project in Gloucestershire to allow isolated pupils back to school as soon as possible?
Minister reply
The minister suggests a similar project may be considered but not specifically in Gloucestershire.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Question
What work is being done on the wider impact of covid on children's education and inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic?
Minister reply
The minister mentions a detailed study with Renaissance Learning to address lost learning.
Question
Can the Secretary of State assure that disabled children will receive necessary support remotely when self-isolating?
Minister reply
The minister confirms that education should be delivered remotely for all children, including those with disabilities.
Sam Tarry
Lab
Ilford South
Question
Will the Secretary of State ensure that nobody goes without food this summer due to self-isolation?
Minister reply
The minister refers to Department for Work and Pensions schemes supporting children receiving free school meals.
Question
With 74% of isolating children not having caught covid but because someone in their bubble has, will the Secretary of State accelerate rapid testing programmes?
Minister reply
The minister says they are working with the Department for Health and Social Care to maximise testing.
Rushanara Ali
Lab
Bethnal Green and Stepney
Question
With nearly 400,000 children out of school due to covid-related reasons last week, criticises the Government's failure in securing borders against the delta variant. Requests funding for catch-up programmes as recommended by Sir Kevan Collins, citing a shortfall of £13.6 billion.
Minister reply
Responds that over £3 billion has been invested in supporting children to catch up and will continue working with the Treasury on further action.
Esther McVey
Con
Tatton
Question
Raises concerns about 40% increase in anti-depressants prescribed to under-17-year-olds. Questions why schools are not fully open despite the low risk of serious health issues for children.
Minister reply
Emphasises the importance of supporting mental health during this difficult time and confirms that steps will be taken to ease restrictions when possible.
Question
Refers to a constituent's frustration about repeated school closures due to positive cases, despite negative tests. Asks for additional support for mental health issues.
Minister reply
Announces support packages including training for dealing with mental health in all schools and confirms intentions to lift restrictions as soon as possible.
Question
Requests confirmation that keeping children in an educational setting is a priority.
Minister reply
Confirms the priority of getting children into school, emphasising safety measures like mass testing and lifting of restrictions.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Question
Accuses Government's failure to get border controls in place as enabling delta variant spread, leading to closures.
Minister reply
Responds that the UK was one of the first countries to impose travel restrictions on India due to the delta variant.
Question
Welcomes comments and asks for a more nuanced approach to self-isolation policies.
Minister reply
Agrees with the need for a more nuanced approach but emphasises the importance of keeping children in school as much as possible.
Liz Twist
Lab
Blaydon and Consett
Question
Asks for clear communication to schools about new arrangements and support for disabled children.
Minister reply
Reassures that schools will have advanced notice of changes and emphasises higher level support for special needs schools.
Question
Supports daily testing in schools and requests extended school days for enrichment activities as well.
Minister reply
Confirms the aim to provide more time for learning, including extra tutoring and additional activities like sports and art.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Question
Raises concerns about mental health impact of current policies, urges speed in rolling out mental health support teams.
Minister reply
Agrees with the need for quick roll-out of mental health support and suggests speaking to Health Secretary on additional CAMHS capacity.
Question
Urges keeping children in school as much as possible, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Minister reply
Confirms commitment to reviewing measures that keep children in school for maximum time and benefit.
Warrington North
Question
Teachers and school staff in Warrington North have been working diligently over the past year to support young people's education and welfare, especially those with special educational needs. The MP asks when schools will know what is happening in September and requests that guidance for special educational needs and disability settings be provided early.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State confirms that specific guidance for SEND schools has always been provided and assures the MP that information will be shared well in advance to avoid summer leave disruption.
Question
Parents from Burnley and Padiham have contacted the MP with concerns about repeated isolations despite no prior coronavirus infections. The MP welcomes the Secretary of State’s work to end isolation for students and asks what conversations have been had with Public Health England and the Department of Health and Social Care regarding new testing methods such as saliva testing.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State assures that the DfE works closely with Public Health England and the DHSC on innovative forms of testing to ensure children can attend school.
Jeff Smith
Lab
Manchester Withington
Question
Parents in south Manchester are worried about multiple periods of isolation. The MP urges an urgent review of isolation rules, criticising the Department for Education’s slow guidance provision and questioning why schools are often an afterthought.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State assures that all guidance is provided as early as possible.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Question
Concerns exist among constituents about the possibility of regional restrictions forcing schools to close. The MP asks if Keighley and Ilkley’s schools would be forced to close under a regional approach.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State assures that he wants schools in Keighley and Ilkley to remain open and not to face closures.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham
Question
Critiquing the lack of a long-term plan, the MP questions how schools will adapt with ongoing virus concerns, requesting plans for improved ventilation and Nightingale classrooms.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State criticises the Labour party’s policy record on encouraging school openings.
Question
Parents, pupils, and teachers have faced difficulties with bubbles and self-isolation. The MP asks if the Labour party would support ending these measures.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State considers the Opposition unreliable but hopes they will not flip-flop on their position.
Zarah Sultana
Lab
Coventry South
Question
Critiquing the current pandemic response, the MP highlights high self-isolation rates and requests additional resources for mitigating covid in schools.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State finds the question unclear regarding support for or against restrictions.
Question
Thanking the Secretary of State for his update, the MP asks about Labour’s recent change in position on pupil attendance and learning.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State criticises Labour's inconsistency but focuses on supporting schools to catch up on lost lessons.
Shadow Comment
Kate Green
Shadow Comment
In her response, Kate Green raised concerns about the high number of children out of school due to coronavirus cases, highlighting that with only nine weeks until the new academic year begins, there is an urgent need for clarity on future plans. She questioned whether daily testing will replace bubble policies from September and sought details on support for schools in implementing this approach, alongside information on pilot results from existing testing schemes. Green criticised the government's handling of masks in schools despite rising cases, while also challenging the lack of implementation of Labour’s proposals such as ventilation improvements and Nightingale classrooms. She further questioned the availability of free meals during school closures over summer break and enquired about plans for vaccinating older children before September.
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