I joined a meeting of local Headteachers earlier to today for a discussion on the current challenges in our local schools in light of Covid.

It is clear there are a number of very serious concerns about about the lack of government support, both in terms of safety and also the economic impact Covid has had.

The Government is spending just £1.5bn on children’s recovery – 10 times less than the Government’s own education recovery commission Kevan Collins has told Ministers is needed.

Ministers have ignored parents’ call’s for wellbeing to be a priority with their plan solely focused on additional tutoring, despite their current programme failing to reach the children who need this support.

The Government has been warned that failing to help children to recover lost learning could cost the economy and taxpayer as much as £420 billion.  I have pledged to raise concerns with Ministers at every opportunity.