Summer school provision Schools can now bid for a share of £200 million in government funding to design summer schools for students who have

It is up to schools to determine which students they target with their summer school offer, but the government is recommending incoming Year 7 students are involved experienced the most disruption to their learning during the pandemic. Summer schools will include a variety of activities from group activities such as sports to mental health support and academic catch up such as maths and English lessons. The government anticipates that a two week summer school will give students an opportunity to make up some lost academic ground before they start a new school. Summer schools should also offer an opportunity for schools to support students’ wellbeing, and schools should include activities such as team games, music, drama or sports activities, in their plans. It is up to schools to determine which students they target with their summer school offer, but the government is recommending incoming Year 7 students are involved, to help them navigate the transition between primary and secondary school. However there is flexibility for schools to target funding at other groups of students dependent on their local circumstances. Schools will also need to determine how best to use the funding and staff the scheme to ensure that the extra time is used effectively. Schools can sign up via an online form on GOV.uk to confirm their plans. Longer term recovery As part of the government’s commitment to develop a longer-term education recovery

Covid Recovery

 the Nuffield Early Language Intervention for reception children. Professor Becky Francis, Chief Executive of the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) said: “School closures, as a result of the pandemic, have had a devastating impact on the poorest children and the youngest in society. “The evidence shows how tutoring can play a significant part in the education recovery, so it is great the government has committed to funding tutoring - including through the NTP - beyond this academic year. We hope it will have a longterm role in closing the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their classmates. “The NTP has been working with thousands of schools and children across the country during the latest school closures to deliver expert tutoring, and will continue to do so throughout the spring and into the summer.” Education Recovery Commissioner, Sir Kevan Collins said: “The National Tutoring Programme has already put us on the right path by enabling tens of thousands of young people to benefit from the highquality support that tutoring offers. “We know that ensuring all children and young people can make up for lost learning will be a longer-term challenge, and the range of measures announced today are an important next step. “But this is just the beginning and I’ll be engaging with the sector, educational charities as well as families, to ensure this support is delivered in a way that works for both young people and the sector and to understand what more is needed to help recover students’ lost learning over the course of this parliament.

plan, Sir Kevan Collins has been appointed as Education Recovery Commissioner. He will lead the way on longer-term engagement work with teachers, school and college leaders, educational charities and families to review how evidence-based interventions can be used to address the impact the pandemic has had on learning. Sir Kevan is a prominent figure in education, having worked in the sector for over 30 years as a teacher, a Director of Children’s Services and most recently as Chief Executive of the Education Endowment Foundation. Sir Kevan’s work will include addressing factors such as curriculum content and quantity of teaching time in the coming months, to ensure the impact the pandemic has had on learning is addressed as quickly and comprehensively as possible. Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Sir Kevan brings a wealth of experience in education policy that I know will be invaluable in supporting all the young people who have been impacted by the pandemic. “He will be a tremendous asset to those young people, their families, and everyone working in education who have my lasting gratitude for their efforts to support young people throughout the pandemic.” L FURTHER INFORMATION www.gov.uk

Issue 26.3 | EDUCATION BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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