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Schools in Kent: Covid-19 — [Mark Pritchard in the Chair]
21 October 2020
Lead MP
Gordon Henderson
Sittingbourne and Sheppey
Con
Responding Minister
Nick Gibb
Tags
NHSEducationEconomyEmploymentScience & TechnologyMental Health
Word Count: 4291
Other Contributors: 0
At a Glance
Gordon Henderson raised concerns about schools in kent: covid-19 — [mark pritchard in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The MP asks for more targeted catch-up funding towards schools in deprived areas and requests assurances that future examinations will be fair despite varying experiences due to potential further lockdowns. He also seeks commitments from Ofsted to consider individual circumstances before assessing schools affected by the pandemic, especially those in disadvantaged areas.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The MP is concerned about the impact of the pandemic on schools, particularly those in disadvantaged areas. He mentions challenges such as delays in testing results for staff and pupils who need to self-isolate, insufficient IT equipment and internet access during lockdown, and inadequate catch-up funding spread too thinly across all pupils. The attainment gap between children from different socio-economic groups has grown since the lockdown, with many disadvantaged pupils least likely to attend lessons online.
Government Response
Nick Gibb
Government Response
The Government has provided significant financial support to schools in Kent affected by Covid-19. This includes a £1 billion catch-up package, over £4 million allocated specifically for special needs education, and additional funding of £58 million covering claims made between March and July due to pandemic-related expenses. The minister also detailed the distribution of 250,000 laptops and tablets, over 50,000 4G routers, and ongoing work with telecoms companies to improve internet access for disadvantaged families. Remote education initiatives were highlighted, including live online lessons, monitoring systems, and prioritising support for disadvantaged children through the national tutoring programme. Mental health support was mentioned, noting £8 million for training local experts to provide additional advice and resources for schools and colleges in Kent. Routine inspections are planned to resume from January 2021.
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Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.