education

Warning that ‘disadvantaged children will be hit hardest’ if schools stay shut

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The Education Secretary has warned that keeping school gates closed will harm poor and disadvantaged children the most.

Gavin Williamson was speaking at the daily Downing Street press briefing amid an ongoing row between ministers and teaching unions about plans to reopen schools on June 1.

He said children will return on that date provided the rate of infection continues to fall, warning that it is important for vulnerable and disadvantaged youngsters to get back into the classroom as soon as possible.

Mr Williamson said: ‘The poorest children, the most disadvantaged children, the children who do not always have the support they need at home will be the ones who will fall furthest behind if we keep school gates closed.

Gavin Williamson was speaking at the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing (Picture: Pippa Fowles/10 Downing Street)

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‘They are the ones who will miss out on the opportunities and chances in life that we want all children to benefit from – from what teachers can do for them and from what schools can deliver for them.’

The education secretary began by expressing his sympathy for students affected by the outbreak who would have been ‘making final preparations for their exams’ or ‘enjoying their summer term’.

He reiterated plans to bring children in reception, year one and year six back to school in smaller classes as part of a phased return because ‘they stand to lose more by staying away’.

Mr Williamson also praised teachers for ‘going above and beyond the call of duty’ for continuing to teach children of key workers, as well as making sure resources were available at home for children at home, adding: ‘You have simply been outstanding and we are so grateful for what you’ve done.

‘We have been quite clear all along that we’d only start inviting more children when our five key tests have been met. That position has not changed nor will it.’

He added: ‘There are some who would like to delay the wider opening of schools. But there is a consequence to this. The longer that schools are closed, the more that children miss out.

‘Teachers know this. Teachers know that there are children out there who have not spoken or played with another child their own age for the last two months.

‘They know there are children from difficult or very unhappy homes for whom school is the happiest moment in their week, and it’s also the safest place for them to be.

‘And it thanks to their teachers and the support their teachers give to them that they are safe and that they are happy.’

This is a breaking story, updates to follow…

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