Context
Concerns about the safety of students returning to school during the pandemic, including those with pre-existing health issues and the need for better control measures.
Question
Last week marked the long-awaited return to schools for many students and young people across Coventry North West. However, this was a time marked by anxiety for parents, students and teachers about what school would look like during the pandemic. I have had a number of constituents contact me about being cramped into small spaces and a lack of support for students with pre-existing medical conditions that put them at greater risk of contracting and responding badly to coronavirus. What allowances or provisions have the Government given schools to keep students with pre-existing medical conditions safe, and will they stop passing the buck to schools and make face coverings compulsory in communal areas in secondary schools?
Answer from Gavin Williamson (Secretary of State for Education)
At every stage—when we saw over 1.6 million children return to school before the summer holidays, and as we see the full return after the summer holidays—every precautionary measure that can be taken has been taken to ensure that the needs of children of all ages, including those who suffer disabilities, are properly catered for. If the hon Lady would like to write to me about specific issues, I would be happy to look at them in detail.
Not addressed: Did not address the issue of making face coverings mandatory in communal areas of secondary schools.
How: Redirect To Written Response
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