MP for Gedling Tom Randall says he welcomes the measures the Government has put in place to ensure every student across the borough receives a high-quality remote education while schools are closed.
The Conservative MP said that, throughout the pandemic, education has been a national priority, and thanks to the efforts of teachers and school staff across the country, schools remain the best, and safest place for children to learn.
However, with our country in alert level 5, the highest it has ever been, the closure of schools is now necessary to keep the new variant of the virus under control, Mr Randall added.
“The difficult decision to close schools and colleges was not taken lightly but is necessary if we are to keep the new variant of the virus at bay in Gedling and across the country,” he said.
“While nothing can ever replace the benefits of learning in a classroom for our children and young people, we will continue to do everything we can to make sure they have access to a high-quality remote education so they can receive the world class education that they deserve”.
Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson defended his decision to close schools during the lockdown.
He said: “The last thing any Education Secretary wants to do is close schools and this is not a decision that the government ever wanted to take. But the closing of schools for the majority of pupils does not mean the end of their education.”
“Schools and colleges are much better prepared to deliver online learning – with the delivery of a million devices well underway, data support and high-quality video lessons available via the Oak National Academy.”
