Neil Hudson has urged the Education Secretary to provide holistic support for pupils in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
During a Commons Statement on the newly-published Schools White Paper, Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi outlined the Government’s road-map to deliver a high quality education system in response to the pandemic.
This includes the Parent Pledge, a commitment to parents that any child who falls behind in maths and English would receive tailored support to catch-up, and be updated on what steps the school are taking to address the problem.
Dr Hudson, who represents Penrith and the Border, paid tribute in the chamber to the pupils and teachers in his constituency for their resilience and hard work throughout the pandemic.
He then asked the Education Secretary for reassurances that pupils will receive all the targeted and tailored support that they need, and more broadly the mental health and pastoral support that they need moving forward.
Following the Statement in the Commons, Dr Hudson said: “I welcome the opportunity to give public recognition to teachers, pupils and all staff who rose to the unprecedented challenge of the coronavirus pandemic to ensure pupils’ educational progression and success.
“Yet, as we emerge from the pandemic, it is clear that its effects are still being felt in schools across Penrith and the Border.
“Government action is vital to ensure that every child has access to the highest standard of education, and the chance to unlock their full potential. In that spirit, I welcome the Education Secretary’s Schools White Paper, and its commitments including an extra 500,000 teacher training and development opportunities by 2024 and £180mn investment in the early years’ workforce.
“I will continue to campaign to ensure Penrith and the Border’s schools receive their fair share from these announcements, and provide the high-quality education system that pupils deserve.”
