Following a further meeting with school leaders earlier this week Dr Ben Spencer MP is calling for greater support for our schools and colleges, their students and staff to help them respond to the challenges of the pandemic.
Alongside calling for a long term plan for education, to provide certainty for examinations, resources and support for those most affected by the disruption to education over the past year, Dr Ben Spencer has also written to Ofsted requesting details of what they are doing to support schools and colleges through this period. He has also contacted Ofqual seeking a meeting regarding the impact of exam cancellations on those studying for the International Baccalaureate and vocational courses.
In addition, Dr Spencer has also called for the prioritisation of teachers and other key workers, once we have vaccinated the extremely high risk population following the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation guidelines.
Dr Spencer said:
The pandemic has seen our schools and colleges having to respond to challenging and fast moving situations, yet at every turn they have risen to the occasion and done what it takes to ensure the education of our children is prioritised. Teachers and staff have been working non stop to support both those children still in school and those at home, and it is right they too receive the support they need.