Extra funding announced to help school pupils catch up

The government announced a £1bn package of measures today which will give schools access to extra tutoring for children who have fallen behind with academic work, as well as more general support outside the classroom for those who need it.

The catch-up lessons will be available to pupils from all year groups in both primary and secondary schools, and can be accessed by all schools, but will be targeted particularly at those serving disadvantaged communities where the impact of missed education is likely to be greatest.

County Coun. Phillippa Williamson, cabinet member for children, young people, and schools, said: "This has been a very difficult time for many families across Lancashire, and schools and parents have been making fantastic efforts to ensure that children get the support they need.

"At the same time, the coronavirus pandemic has had an enormous impact on a generation of school children and it's vital that schools have the extra resources to ensure their education and life chances are not affected in the longer term.

"Today's funding announcement is very welcome as it will help to support the plans which our schools are already making to ensure pupils can catch up on learning which they've missed since lockdown began.

"Decisions about how to spend the available funding will be down to schools as they know best how to support their pupils, however we will be working closely with schools and parents to keep them informed, and provide advice, as we receive more details about how the scheme will work.

"The county council already provides a wide range of support to Lancashire's schools and we are already looking at how we can build upon and adapt these services to help schools, parents, and pupils over the coming months as the county recovers from the pandemic.

"Missing months of school has not just affected pupils academically, and we will also be focused on doing all we can to provide support outside the classroom where it's needed to minimise the impact on children's wellbeing and development.

"I'd like to emphasise once again how proud I am of our schools which have remained open throughout this crisis for the children of key workers and vulnerable children, and I'd like to thank staff and parents for their understanding and continued work to support children's education."