West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed confirmation that schools will be able to access extra funding to help pupils catch up after periods of lockdown and home-schooling over the last 12 months.

The Government has confirmed that a £700 million package has been made available, focusing on an expansion of one-to-one and small group tutoring programmes, as well as supporting the development of disadvantaged children in early years settings, and summer provision for those pupils who need it
the most.

A new one-off Recovery Premium for state primary and secondary schools, building on the Pupil Premium, will be provided to schools to use as they see best to support disadvantaged students.

Harriett said: “The global pandemic has affected everyone in many differing ways, but I have been most concerned by the impact the shutdown has had on our local school children.

“I know that parents and pupils will be glad about getting back into the school setting and with lots of testing capacity at local venues, parents and teachers will be easily be able to access fast Covid-19 results and get confidence as they go about their daily lives.

“I welcome the Government’s commitment to supporting schools to lead the catch up process and I’ll be looking forward to seeing how local teachers develop their plans to make this happen.”