COVID-19: Safety in schools 'cannot be ignored'
18 May 2020
Dr Billy Wong, Associate Professor in the Institute of Education at the University of Reading, said:
"From a learning perspective, it is understandable why it is important to offer pupils in reception, Year 1 and Year 6 to have some education before the summer, because these are important phases of transition from home education to classroom learning, from primary to secondary schooling.
"There are also concerns about widening inequalities as children from more privileged backgrounds tend to be better prepared over the summer, whilst less privileged children have less access or resources to support their learning.
"Schools and teachers can help to balance this inequality, although the challenges and concerns to ensure a ‘Covid-secure’ environment must be discussed and addressed. The safety of children, parents, staff and their families cannot be ignored."