House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Support for Education Settings/Providers
21 April 2020 · Department for Education
Proposed by Gavin Williamson Con Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- UK government updates measures to support education during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Aldi added to list of supermarkets where free school meal vouchers can be redeemed
- Oak National Academy launched with government funding for online educational resources
Issue summary
The Minister is providing an update on measures taken by the UK government to support education during the COVID-19 pandemic, including attendance statistics for critical workers' and vulnerable children's schooling.
Action requested
The minister announces new steps such as adding Aldi to the list of supermarkets where free school meal vouchers can be redeemed. The Oak National Academy has been launched with funding from the government to provide online educational resources. Additional funding is also being provided for devices and internet access for disadvantaged children, care leavers, and those in need of social services.
Key facts
- Schools closed since March 23 except for critical workers' and vulnerable children's attendance.
- Attendance figures published on Gov.uk weekly.
- Aldi added to list of supermarkets accepting vouchers for free school meals.
- Oak National Academy launched with government funding, providing 180 video lessons per week.
- £1.6 million provided to NSPCC for expanding adult helpline.
- £1.6 billion additional funding announced for local authorities supporting vulnerable groups including care leavers.