Schools Covid-19 Costs 2020-10-12
2020-10-12
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Schools have incurred additional costs due to the pandemic, such as PPE expenses and increased cleaning procedures.
What recent discussions has he had with school leaders regarding financial support for additional costs incurred by schools during the covid-19 outbreak?
Schools have continued to receive core funding and have been able to claim funds to meet certain exceptional costs between March and July. The Department regularly meets school leaders on covid-19 issues, including costs faced by schools.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP sought specific details of recent discussions, but the answer only provided general information without concrete specifics or commitments.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Headteachers are alarmed about the financial strain caused by purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE).
What measures is he taking to assure headteachers that their budgets will not be depleted and they can recoup losses from PPE spending?
Schools have continued to receive core funding and should use it for their covid-19 expenditure. They can also claim up to £75,000 for exceptional costs from March to July. Brixham College and King Edward VI Community College have applied for funds.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP sought assurance on budgetary support specifically addressing PPE spending, but the answer only provided general information without specific commitment or action.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Schools face ongoing costs due to cleaning, safety measures, and lost income streams from events. Budgets were already strained before the pandemic.
Will he commit to providing extra funding for schools in the coming months given these continuing financial pressures?
This year marks a three-year funding settlement for schools, with £2.6 billion more funding this year. In Ellie Reeves' constituency, pupil-led funding will rise by 2.2% this year.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP asked for additional funds for ongoing costs due to the pandemic, but the answer provided general information about overall funding increases without specific commitment to future needs.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Schools have submitted claims for £148 million in additional costs but only received £58 million. Concern about future funding needs.
Why is the Government ignoring requests for resources to cover continuing costs from September onwards and when will they address these needs?
Schools have been able to claim for exceptional covid-related costs between March and July. The focus now is on catch-up funding, with £650 million distributed per pupil basis to all schools, plus the three-year funding settlement.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP sought recognition of ongoing needs from September onwards but received information about past claims and future priorities without specific commitment.
Response accuracy