Teachers hit out over 'catch up' proposals
Schools should be given more flexibility over what is important for the learning and wellbeing of pupils in the wake of the pandemic, according to a new survey.
An overwhelming majority of National Education Union(NEU)memberssaytheydo not believe that extending the school day or changing term lengths is vital for helping children catch up with missed learning.
The poll results follows the Governmentconfirmingthata changetothesummerholidays and longer school days are being considered as part of longterm recovery plans for pupils who have missed out on lessons.
But the NEU) survey saw 82% of teachers saying schools and colleges should decide on the best way to do it.
As part of the Government recovery package, this year summer schools will be introduced for pupils who need it the most, whilst tutoring schemes will be expanded.
But only one in five (21%) of school and college staff think tuitionprogrammesareanimportant mechanism for supporting recovery.
Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the NEU, said: "Learning has continued throughout lockdown. The message is clear. We need to steer a course beyond Covid whichrightsthehistoricfaults of the education system in this country and the distorted priorities of those who run it.
"If the Government is seriousaboutbuildingbackbetter, thentheyshouldtakeonboard these views.
Labour'sshadoweducation secretaryKateGreensaid:"Labour, parents and teachers are calling on the Government to prioritise delivering a worldclass education for every child, rather than half-baked ideas about the length of the school day or term dates."