School closures as a result of the pandemic, have had a devastating impact on the poorest children and the youngest in society. Ensuring all children can make up for lost learning will be a longer-term challenge. The government have released packages and funding to support this.
Recovery Package
The new £700M recovery package for England includes:
- £302 million Recovery Premium for state primary and secondary schools, building on the Pupil Premium, to further support pupils who need it most.
- The average primary school will receive around £6,000 extra, and the average secondary school around £22,000 extra. This will help schools to bolster summer provision for their students, for example laying on additional clubs and activities, or for evidence-based approaches for supporting the most disadvantaged pupils from September.
- A range of high-quality online resources will be available for all teachers and pupils, starting from the summer term and throughout summer holidays.
This extensive programme of catch-up funding will equip teachers with the tools and resources they need to support their pupils, and give children the opportunities they deserve to learn and fulfil their potential.
You can find the full details of the support package on the government package here.
SEND Funding
In addition to this, further investment of £280M has been given to SEND pupils across the country. Councils will receive the funding to create new places in schools, academies, colleges and early years settings.
For pupils with more complex needs or disabilities, it is especially important that the right facilities and support are in place at whatever school they attend, so they can learn in a modern, adaptable environment.
The funding will improve existing provision to create modern, fit-for-purpose spaces suited to a wider range of pupil needs. This could be by contributing to the cost of creating a whole new special school, or by improving accessibility, such as installing ramps, handrails or ceiling hoists.
The full press release can be viewed here.
