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Covid-19: Educational Settings
06 January 2021
Lead MP
Gavin Williamson
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
EducationEmploymentChildren & Families
Other Contributors: 41
At a Glance
Gavin Williamson raised concerns about covid-19: educational 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
The Education Secretary announced that schools will close due to the rising rates of COVID-19 cases. He assured that early years settings remain open nationally for all children while vulnerable children and those from critical worker families can still attend school. Universities are expected to predominantly study online, with a few exceptions such as medical students. The minister emphasised that lessons learned from previous lockdowns have improved remote learning capabilities. Schools will be required by law to provide high-quality remote education between three to five hours daily, depending on the child's age, and parents can report inadequate provision to Ofsted. Over 1 million laptops and tablets have been purchased, with over 560,000 already delivered; free data for educational sites is being provided by mobile network operators. GCSE, A-level, and AS-level exams will not go ahead in summer, but teacher-assessed grades will be used instead. Free school meals are guaranteed through food parcels or a voucher scheme. Testing of staff and students will continue to facilitate reopening schools as soon as possible.
Kate Green
Lab
Wirral West
Question
Kate Green pressed the Secretary of State on several points: digital device provision for all children needing them; immediate effect of data deals done with mobile providers; guaranteeing free school meals to every eligible child within days if not already doing so; clarity on support mechanisms for teachers in awarding grades fairly and consistently during the exam cancellation; urgent call for cancelling this week’s BTEC exams; prioritising education staff for vaccination; scientific assurance on the safety of early years settings remaining open; reconsideration of unjustifiable decision to move early years funding in line with occupancy; and finally, expected date of children safely returning to classrooms.
Kate Green
Lab
Blackpool North and FYieldend
Question
Paid tribute to Gareth Young; criticised the Education Secretary's handling of the pandemic's impact on education. Welcomed commitment on digital devices but questioned whether every child without a device would receive one soon, inquired about immediate implementation of zero rating educational sites, free school meals provision, exam alternatives, support for teachers to award grades, vocational exams cancellations, vaccination prioritisation for staff, safety measures for early years settings, and funding decisions affecting providers.
Minister reply
Joined the tribute to Gareth Young; confirmed plans to deliver 1 million digital devices, three quarters by end of next week. Stressed support for free school meals through local schemes or national voucher scheme as per preference. Confirmed training and guidance for teachers on awarding grades due to exam cancellation inevitability. Highlighted decision to give colleges flexibility regarding technical exams completion under current conditions. Emphasised prioritising vaccination based on risk of hospitalisation/death but acknowledged desire for education staff vaccination upon reopening; noted readiness of mass testing programme in schools as key step forward. Justified keeping early years open based on health advice and importance for families and children's development.
Robert Halfon
Con
Southend West
Question
Welcomes the Government’s laptop scheme but asks about internet connection and computer access for disadvantaged students. Also inquires about centre-assessed grade system, independent assessors, teacher vaccination priority, and support for students not returning to university after Christmas.
Minister reply
Expands on the devices package, confirms guidance will be issued similar to March-May closure period, commits to maintaining standards with fair assessment, agrees to consider vaccine priority for teachers alongside NHS workers.
Carol Monaghan
SNP
Glasgow North West
Question
Critiques the Secretary of State's planning and decision-making in closing schools. Highlights students learning other skills during lockdowns, requests BBC resources for Scottish curriculum, questions safety risks and need for teacher vaccination priority, asks about support for young people paying university accommodation fees.
Minister reply
Responds to criticism, mentions PISA rankings, offers to contact BBC regarding resource availability, highlights funded Oak National Academy usage in Scotland, agrees to work with colleagues across the UK.
Peter Aldous
Con
Waveney
Question
Welcomes the statement and emphasises the importance of BTECs for economic recovery. Questions why exams were not cancelled uniformly, urges new arrangements for certainty, clarity, and confidence.
Minister reply
Reiterates commitment to clear leadership, explains that many colleges need to complete assessments this month for students' future prospects.
Daisy Cooper
Lib Dem
St Albans
Question
Requests teacher and school staff priority access to covid vaccination as they have risked their safety during the pandemic.
Minister reply
Asserts prioritization of student, pupil, teacher, workforce, and community safety at all stages. Highlights readiness for mass testing in schools.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Question
Questions how students will be rewarded fairly under the substitute system without being disadvantaged by their school.
Minister reply
Commits to extensive training, guidance, and support for accurate and fair assessments conducted by teachers.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Question
Critiques the Government’s lack of alternative plan for BTEC exams and requests additional mental health support for children.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the impact on students, highlights ongoing support measures in schools and commits to stepping up those measures.
Marco Longhi
Con
Dudley North
Question
He thanked the Secretary of State for his efforts in balancing conflicting priorities and expressed concern about the uncertainty surrounding exams. He asked if the Minister could bring clarity to the situation as soon as possible.
Minister reply
Gavin Williamson assured Marco Longhi that the statement was intended to provide certainty and direction. Ofqual would lead a two-week consultation period starting next week to gather feedback from stakeholders.
Mike Amesbury
Lab
MRP Constituency
Question
He questioned why Computacenter, awarded a £96 million contract without competition during the first lockdown, was still being used despite issues with delivery.
Minister reply
Gavin Williamson paid tribute to Computacenter for distributing devices and explained that while a direct award was made due to their capability during the initial phase, subsequent contracts were won through fair competition.
Kevin Hollinrake
Con
Thirsk and Malton
Question
He asked if all schools should adopt formal methods including roll calls and marking to ensure effective remote learning.
Minister reply
Gavin Williamson agreed that formal education methods should be adopted and noted the Department's actions, including working with Ofsted, to ensure high-quality remote education across the country.
Paula Barker
Lab
Liverpool Wavertree
Question
She thanked unions for their work in keeping staff and pupils safe but raised concerns about nurseries staying open despite risks posed by elderly grandparents acting as support bubbles.
Minister reply
Gavin Williamson cited SAGE evidence that early years provision had a smaller impact on transmission rates compared to primary schools. He also noted the retraction of incorrect advice from unions.
Tim Loughton
Con
East Worthing and Shoreham
Question
He expressed disappointment over abrupt school closures and requested clarity for planning purposes, asking about eligibility for in-person schooling during the February half-term.
Minister reply
Gavin Williamson clarified that children on EHC plans should be allowed into schools. He aimed to reopen schools on 22 February but would listen to scientific advice.
Sarah Olney
Lib Dem
Richmond Park
Question
She supported the decision to scrap exams and asked if grades could be released earlier than August.
Minister reply
Gavin Williamson indicated that this was under consideration, acknowledging its potential benefits for appeals and university planning.
Andrew Rosindell
Con
Romford
Question
He commended the dedication of staff in Romford and Havering during the pandemic and asked about the criteria for in-person schooling eligibility.
Minister reply
Gavin Williamson agreed to recognise teachers' efforts and clarified that if one parent is a critical worker, their child would have access to in-person schooling.
Lilian Greenwood
Lab
Nottingham South
Question
She raised concerns from her university student constituents about the impact of restrictions on learning, finances, and mental health.
Minister reply
Gavin Williamson mentioned additional support announced before Christmas to help vulnerable students and expressed a willingness to continue supporting students financially.
Jonathan Gullis
Lab
Stoke-on-Trent North
Question
He asked for discussions on distributing textbooks to disadvantaged pupils during remote learning.
Minister reply
Gavin Williamson agreed to organise a meeting with Jonathan Gullis and the Minister for School Standards next week to discuss this issue.
Question
Welcomed the Secretary of State's reversal on GCSEs and A-levels but questioned his approach to BTECs, asking if he would cancel this year’s SATs as proceeding with them would place an unnecessary burden on schools.
Minister reply
Confirmed that SATs will not proceed this year due to recognising the additional burden on schools. Emphasised importance of welcoming students back into classrooms.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Question
Commended work done for online learning but highlighted broadband access issues in rural communities, questioning what practical support can be offered to pupils competing against other household members with limited or no broadband.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the challenge and proposed meeting to discuss measures like additional resource distribution such as textbooks.
Question
Highlighted injustice of tuition fees during pandemic, incurring debt due to isolation and online learning. Questioned if Government would refund rents, scrap tuition fees, and cancel student debt.
Minister reply
Criticised the question's lack of factual basis, stating that university sector expansion has seen more young people from disadvantaged backgrounds attending university.
Question
Quoted Dr Adrian James on pandemic as greatest mental health threat since WWII and requested funding for a mental health and wellbeing strategy for children.
Minister reply
Acknowledged importance of the issue, proposed a meeting to discuss four-nations approach to supporting young people's mental health.
Question
Asked about early learning centres remaining open while primary schools are not, inquiring why semi-schools remain operational despite financial concerns.
Minister reply
Stressed commitment to keeping education settings open when safe, citing lower transmission risk and support for families.
Alison McGovern
Lab
Birkenhead
Question
Pressed the Secretary of State on working with teachers’ unions for practical steps such as acquiring space for schools to ensure safety.
Minister reply
Confirmed regular meetings with trade unions, though now mostly virtual, emphasising shared commitment to reopening schools.
Gagan Mohindra
Con
South West Hertfordshire
Question
Asked for assurance that his Department will provide clarity on exams for GCSEs and A-levels due this year.
Minister reply
Reassured that further consultation with Ofqual will bring clarity, supporting schools in the awarding of grades.
Salford
Question
Critiqued decision on BTECs and nurseries despite serious safety concerns, requesting cancellation of BTEC exams and vaccine access for settings.
Minister reply
Defended decisions based on safety priorities, acknowledging chief medical officers' advice but questioning the Labour's stance on children in schools.
Joy Morrissey
Con
Beaconsfield
Question
Last year, private candidates for GCSEs and A-levels were unable to obtain a grade. Will the Minister confirm that this year they will be able to do so?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State has asked Ofqual to ensure measures are in place for private candidates to get grades this year as part of their upcoming consultation.
Alex Norris
Lab Co-op
Nottingham North and Kimberley
Question
Will the Secretary of State confirm that all schools in his constituency have access to support to establish a testing regime by six or seven weeks?
Minister reply
Testing kits are being distributed in secondary schools, with plans to roll out testing into primary settings as well.
Question
What is the plan for reopening schools? What are the criteria and vision for optimising children’s life chances?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State emphasises a testing regime, with plans to open schools contingent on reducing NHS pressure.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Question
Will the Secretary of State work with exam boards to provide provision for self-taught A-level students?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State will have discussions with Ofqual and exam boards regarding this issue.
Question
Will he review catch-up funding for schools, especially in areas of deprivation, to ensure the attainment gap does not widen?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State will echo these concerns with the Health Secretary regarding special education needs (SEN) schools.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Question
What is the plan to bridge the digital divide for 1.6 million children who do not have access to a computer?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State refers to his earlier statement regarding laptop distribution.
Question
Will he look urgently at reports of harm caused by social isolation for young people isolated at home?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State agrees and is willing to meet to discuss further support measures.
Question
Where will families find information about free services provided by mobile operators, and how will devolved Governments be involved in the distribution of laptops?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State works closely with devolved governments to ensure comprehensive support.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
Question
Can my right hon. Friend assure me that the default expectation during this lockdown is for live online teaching?
Minister reply
Guidance sets clear expectations for schools to provide live lessons, with recourse available through Ofsted if not met.
Mary Foy
Lab
City of Durham
Question
Does the Education Secretary agree that students renting private accommodation should receive refunds for unused accommodation costs?
Minister reply
The Government provided additional financial support to universities before Christmas through hardship funds.
Question
Is the Secretary of State considering vaccinations to enable teachers to return to school?
Minister reply
Supporting children’s learning is crucial, and the Oak National Academy resources are available. The Secretary of State will push for more testing and vaccinations.
Mohammad Yasin
Lab
Bedford
Question
Will he make public health a priority and guarantee full funding during this crisis to relieve boards such as the Bedford Nursery Schools Federation from feeling coerced into remaining open?
Minister reply
The decision about whether to open maintained nursery schools rests with governing boards, and earlier answers provide context.
Peter Bone
Constitutional Conservative/Democratic Unionist Party
Wellingborough
Question
I thank the Secretary of State for updating the House and answering questions so fully. Could he tell me: if a university student has travelled back to their halls of residence and now is going to receive remote learning, should they stay at university, or should they return home?
Minister reply
We would encourage that university student to stay where they are, in order to be able to conduct their remote learning, although obviously university students who are not doing practical subjects should not have returned to university at this stage.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Question
Students in Bath and across the country feel massively let down. They are paying full tuition fees on top of rent for accommodation that they are not allowed to live in—we have just heard that answer from the Secretary of State. I am aware that this question has been asked several times already this afternoon, but we have not had a proper answer yet, so will the Secretary of State now commit to the rapid implementation of a review of this academic year, with the power to make recommendations for financial compensation?
Minister reply
I refer the hon. Lady to the answer I gave some moments ago.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
Question
I share my right hon. Friend’s concern over schools being closed, especially for children in Wealden who do not have access to technology. Can he double confirm that those children without access to tech are now seen as vulnerable, and can immediately access physical education—I mean, attend school—and will not have to jump through hoops to be able to get into school?
Minister reply
I can absolutely confirm that. That was issued in our initial guidance on school closures back in March last year. We have repeated that self-same guidance all the way through where schools have been in an unfortunate position, because we have had to recognise that during the latter stages of last year, there were schools that were closed, and even during that time children who did not have access to that type of education were able to access education settings.
Shadow Comment
Kate Green
Shadow Comment
The shadow education secretary welcomed the commitment on digital devices and data deals for educational sites but questioned the sufficiency of the measures, especially with up to 1.78 million children without access to a device. She called for guarantees that all eligible children will receive free school meals within days if not already doing so. Concerning exams, she criticised the Secretary's lack of a contingency plan and sought clarity on support mechanisms for teachers in awarding grades fairly and consistently. Kate Green also urged the cancellation of this week’s BTEC exams due to current circumstances. She pressed for prioritising education staff for vaccination and asked about the safety measures in early years settings, along with reconsideration of funding cuts that could lead providers to collapse. Finally, she questioned when children are expected back in classrooms safely.
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