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Education Settings: Wider Opening
09 June 2020
Lead MP
Gavin Williamson
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EducationEmploymentChildren & Families
Other Contributors: 60
At a Glance
Gavin Williamson raised concerns about education settings: wider opening 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:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Secretary of State for Education has announced a phased reopening of nurseries, schools, and colleges in response to the easing of lockdown restrictions. Ninety-seven per cent of schools have already reopened to vulnerable children and those of critical workers; 70% of primary schools are now taking pupils from reception, year 1 and year 6. He emphasises that safety measures will be put in place for secondary school students beginning June 15th, with a focus on limiting class sizes and providing remote education as well.
Salford
The shadow Education Secretary commends the Government for acknowledging that reopening schools fully before summer was impractical but criticises the handling of this decision. She highlights concerns about children's education and wellbeing being severely impacted by school closures, urging for a national plan involving various stakeholders to address these issues. Long-Bailey calls for immediate actions like issuing guidance on one-on-one meetings with teachers and increasing resources for summer schemes.
Robert Halfon
Con
South Thanet
Asked about the difficulties of reopening schools despite other businesses opening, highlighting that around 700,000 disadvantaged children are not doing schoolwork and lack access to computers. He requested a long-term plan for education catch-up funding and free school meals over the summer.
Carol Monaghan
SNP
Glasgow North West
Expressed condolences for pupils who tragically lost their lives, questioning the government's plans regarding social distancing measures in schools. She advocated for a comprehensive plan focusing on blended learning and increased support for disadvantaged children.
Tim Loughton
Con
East Worthing and Shoreham
Stressed the long-term impact of school closures, particularly on deprived backgrounds, suggesting summer catch-up schemes involving National Citizen Service youth workers and mobilising university students for a mentoring scheme.
Matt Western
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Questioned the delay in providing laptops to disadvantaged pupils despite earlier promises. He highlighted discrepancies between private and state sector schools' access to equipment, questioning if public trust in the government is justified.
Duncan Baker
Con
Orpington
Acknowledged the efforts of teachers enabling children to return to school while asking for reassurances that vulnerable children not able to attend physically are receiving an equitable education through remote learning.
Meg Hillier
Lab Co-op
Hackney South and Shoreditch
It is late, Secretary of State—for the record, he is shaking his head. This is already late for vulnerable pupils. I find myself in complete accord with the right hon. Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon) and the hon. Member for East Worthing and Shoreham (Tim Loughton) in their desire for a catch-up plan for the many vulnerable students. Can the Secretary of State seriously not give us more information today? There must have been planning. If there has not, he has been asleep on the job.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
The hon. Lady is inaccurate. The laptops that we promised to get out to vulnerable children and those who face exams in year 10 are on schedule. We said that they would all be distributed by the end of June and we are on target to do that. We decided to prioritise the most vulnerable children and I still think that that was the right decision. On a catch-up plan, this is not something that is just over a few weeks; the approach has to be over a full year and more. That is what we are putting in place and how we will support children in the long term.
Danny Kruger
Reform
East Wiltshire
All schools and teachers have worked incredibly hard over this period, but some schools have managed to deliver whole-class direct teaching live through video. Does my right hon. Friend agree that sadly, some children in this country have received no online direct teaching at all and many have received very little because the teaching unions have opposed the practice, often with the support of Opposition Members? If the return to school is to be delayed further, what can we do to ensure that more children receive direct teaching?
Education authorities in England, which have to implement the decisions, knew nothing about the now delayed planned return to full schooling until the Government bounced them into it last month. What steps has the Secretary of State taken to make sure that in future, local authorities, headteachers and unions are kept fully informed about developments, and that schools are given adequate time to prepare for each stage of their pupils’ return?
I appreciate that health and safety issues are paramount when deciding to reopen primary schools to all children and I welcome the flexibility in my right hon. Friend’s statement today. However, I share concerns about the serious impact that the lack of schooling will have on many disadvantaged children from poor households. I welcome his commitment that they will be a top priority. Will he reaffirm that for me?
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
I echo the thanks to the profession for what they have done so far. I would like to clarify some of the numbers that the Secretary of State used. The Chair of the Select Committee on Education said that there were 700,000 children without devices. The Secretary of State said that 100,000 had been distributed with 230,000 still to come. Seven hundred thousand minus 100,000 minus 230,000 makes 370,000 children without an internet device. Have I got that wrong? If so, will the Secretary of State please clarify? If I am right, will he explain how that squares with prioritising the most disadvantaged children and learning?
Many children commute into the Hendon constituency to access the high-quality education provided by the London Borough of Barnet. As those children travel by public transport, they will be required to wear masks and take other precautions. Will the Secretary of State outline what precautions he believes there should be for children who use school transport provided by the local authority? Will they be required to take the same precautions as others by wearing masks on their journeys? When they get to school, will they simply disregard those masks?
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
The Secretary of State has spent time in my constituency and will know that at least one in three children in my constituency live in poverty and are at risk of falling the furthest behind because of not being in school. It is clear that we need a strategic plan, just as the Government have had for the economy and with the same focus, but in the meantime it is really important that the Secretary of State commits today to a major campaign over the summer for catch-up education for children and to an urgent roll-out of the laptops he has promised. Finally, I wish he would address the issue of free school meal vouchers carrying on over the summer. Please, Secretary of State, think again about the callous decision that was made last week.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Across the country, the children of key workers have been enabled to continue to attend school. In my constituency, we have a large concentration of key workers and schools have often interpreted the rules as being that both parents have to be key workers before the children will be allowed to attend school. That has necessitated lengthy discussions with headteachers and others in the schools. Can my right hon. Friend confirm that the position will be that children of key workers will continue to be able to attend full-time education, to enable those key workers to provide the key services that we all need in this desperate time?
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
In the light of exam cancellations, GCSEs and A-levels will now be predicted by teachers. An upcoming report by the Equality Act Review has highlighted the concerns of students and parents, particularly those from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, about this situation. Has the Secretary of State assessed how predicted grades will further worsen the attainment gap?
Children in the communities I used to teach in will have been most disadvantaged over the past few weeks, and to catch up they need access to qualified practitioners. As well-meaning as a summer school programme might sound, it needs to be longer term. Will my right hon. Friend assure me that, whatever programme is delivered in the longer term, it will be delivered by qualified practitioners?
Alan Brown
Ind
Scotland
Expressed concerns about vulnerable teaching staff in England feeling pressured to return to work before it is safe, asking for clarity on Government’s plans to enable remote working and ensure a safe environment.
Jack Brereton
Ind
Stoke-on-Trent North
Acknowledged the continued operation of schools in his constituency during the pandemic and raised issues about unexpected costs faced by schools, including exam fees despite no exams being held. Asked for support to address these financial challenges.
Claudia Webbe
Ind
West Ham
Highlighted instances of racist abuse against children walking home from school and advocated for a curriculum that educates about the enduring history of racism, including the legacy of imperialism and colonialism rooted in racism.
Ben Bradley
Con
Arundel and South Downs
Asked the Secretary of State to support schools willing to bring back more than the minimum number of children if they have the capacity, space, and staff. Requested clear information on childcare options for parents.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Expressed concerns about the possibility of a full physical return being delayed or interrupted, urging the Secretary of State to redouble efforts to spread electronic means of education. Asked for a date by which all children can access their education electronically.
Stephen Metcalfe
Con
South Basildon and Burnham-on-Sea
Asked about the reintroduction of the fruit and vegetable scheme to support vulnerable children's wellbeing and nutrition, emphasising its importance in supporting routine and education.
Steve McCabe
Lab
Birmingham Selly Oak
Noted significant financial losses faced by nurseries and early years centres due to the pandemic and urged for a realistic plan from the Government to protect these essential services.
Yorks, Selby and Rievaulx
Inquired about support for schools with pupils of critical workers or vulnerable children, finding it difficult to accept other pupils. Asked if there is anything the Government can do to help these schools.
Ian Mearns
Lab
Blyth Valley
Critiqued the Secretary of State’s approach for not consulting widely and highlighted concerns about reopening schools in areas with higher covid-19 incidence, advocating for a more flexible policy.
David Johnston
Ind
Dartford
Quoted the Children's Commissioner on missed learning and asked if the Secretary of State agrees that any school that conceivably can open should do so to avoid further educational disruption.
Patrick Grady
SNP
Glasgow North West
Acknowledged the support provided by universities for young people, particularly disadvantaged ones. Asked about additional support available to the university sector given funding gaps and challenges posed by covid.
Damian Hinds
Con
East Hampshire
Asked if there can be maximum flexibility for schools to welcome back more children, suggesting rotas and extended transition time in secondary school.
Clive Betts
Lab
Sheffield South East
Inquired about the local director of public health's advice against reopening schools due to concerns over PPE availability and test-trace system effectiveness, questioning whether schools should follow this advice or not.
Highlighted that children in Wombourne High School continue to enjoy virtual lessons and asked how the Secretary of State will ensure all children can have similar opportunities.
Asked about strategies to persuade parents from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly those in BAME communities living in multigenerational households, to send their children back to school safely.
Stressed the importance of getting young people back to school as soon as possible, especially for those who rely on public transportation, emphasising social factors and well-being support.
Daniel Zeichner
Lab
Cambridge
Inquired about the Department’s plans concerning transport costs for students in sixth-form and further education colleges who commute by bus, given that only one in four places are viable now due to social distancing measures.
Asked if early years settings will receive financial support, recognising the pressure on those operating as charities due to reopening costs and financial strain.
Kate Osborne
Lab
Jarrow and Gateshead East
Asked about plans to ensure no child goes hungry during summer holidays with free school meal vouchers and about measures against food bank reliance for entitled children in poverty.
Suggested that schools could bring back some year 2 pupils ahead of the transition period, similar to year 6 students moving to secondary education.
Compared UK and Scottish government approaches towards reopening schools, asking for practical steps in combating digital exclusion during summer holidays on top of previously mentioned laptops.
Asked if year 6 students can spend time this term in their new secondary school to prepare for September entry.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
Emphasises the importance of children spending time in school settings and the need for a flexible approach to getting more children into education. Supports primary schools looking at bringing more children in.
Emma Lewell
Lab
South Shields
Asks for an extension of free school meals over the summer holidays, highlighting that 200,000 children have gone without meals during the pandemic. Criticises the holiday activities and food programme as targeting only 4% of eligible children.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
Reiterates that the interests of children are at the heart of their focus. Mentions ongoing work on rolling out holiday activities resources to help local authorities support children.
Asks for an update on progress made in opening universities, stressing the importance of practical work and face-to-face lectures beyond online sessions.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
Confirms ongoing efforts to ensure universities can deliver both virtual and practical lectures safely. Works with Universities UK on opening research facilities.
Rushanara Ali
Lab
Bethnal Green and Stepney
Highlights the high death rate in Tower Hamlets and higher risk for black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. Urges publication of a risk assessment to give parents confidence about school openings and free meals provision.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
States commitment to cautious approach in bringing children back to schools with measures like smaller class sizes. Acknowledges the importance of R rate but also track and trace for minimizing transmission.
Questions the usefulness of R rates as case numbers fall, suggesting prevalence data should be used instead. Calls for a commitment to getting all children back in schools by September.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
Expresses ambition for all children to return to school in September but prioritises maximizing the number of children benefiting from educational settings now. Emphasises importance of track and trace in ensuring safety.
Yvette Cooper
Lab
Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
Critiques the Education Secretary for lacking a proper plan or grip on the future, specifically questioning support guarantees for 16 to 18-year-olds who have missed out on their final term.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
Confirms work being done through the National Careers Service to support choices for young people. Supports efforts in further education colleges and apprenticeships.
Expresses concern about widening attainment gap between richer and poorer students during school closures. Asks what measures will be taken to close this gap and reassure parents of full potential opportunities for all children regardless of background.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
Reiterates the importance of school openings in closing attainment gaps. Mentions need for long-term support measures beyond just short-term interventions.
Questions why some children can receive meals during summer holidays while others cannot, pointing out pre-existing efforts by his constituency to tackle holiday hunger.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
Acknowledges work across multiple departments to support families in need but does not provide specific assurances for the individual's question.
Points out progress made over 10 years towards closing the attainment gap and warns against undermining this due to schools choosing not to reopen safely during closures.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
Reaffirms commitment to reopening schools as soon as it is safe. Emphasises that the best way to close the attainment gap is through children being in school with teachers.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
Raises concerns about impact of caps on English student numbers at universities in devolved nations and requests meeting or engagement to mitigate these impacts.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
Confirms ongoing dialogue with Scottish Government regarding university stability package and financial support for institutions.
Asks the Secretary of State to insist on seamless collaboration between Public Health England, local authorities, and schools in handling outbreaks.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
Reiterates the importance of seamless cooperation in managing outbreaks to protect children and staff while working towards swift school reopenings when safe.
Government Response
The hon. Lady is inaccurate. The laptops that we promised to get out to vulnerable children and those who face exams in year 10 are on schedule. We said that they would all be distributed by the end of June and we are on target to do that. We decided to prioritise the most vulnerable children and I still think that that was the right decision. On a catch-up plan, this is not something that is just over a few weeks; the approach has to be over a full year and more. That is what we are putting in place and how we will support children in the long term. Responded to multiple concerns raised by MPs, emphasising that schools are encouraged to reopen safely where possible. Offered support for remote learning for vulnerable staff, highlighted additional funding for unexpected costs faced by schools, and stressed the importance of tolerance in teaching about historical events. Also mentioned flexibility regarding schools' capacity to bring back more children and discussed childcare options.
Shadow Response
Rebecca Long-Bailey
Shadow Response
The shadow Education Secretary raises concerns about the phased reopening plan and its impact on children's education, urging for a more comprehensive national plan involving stakeholders. She also questions the safety advice provided to schools in regions with an R rate above 1 and calls for scientific modelling to support assertions made by the Government.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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