Oral Answers to Questions

Bambos Charalambous Excerpts

Monday 23rd November 2020 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Bambos Charalambous (Enfield, Southgate) (Lab)]

What support he is providing to schools to help ensure their safe opening during the covid-19 outbreak.

[The Secretary of State for Education (Gavin Williamson)]

To support schools to open fully from the autumn, we published guidance in July and updated it as necessary. Schools have access to an advice service and supply of test kits. By assessing risk and maximising the use of Public Health England-endorsed control measures, schools reduce risk for pupils and staff.

[Bambos Charalambous]

Schools are facing huge budget pressures as costs escalate for increased supply cover as teachers self-isolate and from unfunded covid-19 cleaning costs. More than a quarter of all state schools are using reserve budgets to ensure that pupils have devices and access to the internet to study while isolating at home. What assurances can the Secretary of State give that schools will get the funding they need to cover these unforeseen costs?

[Gavin Williamson]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising that important point. We know how important it is. We already outlined a package for the summer term, and tens of millions of pounds have been distributed to schools. We have kept this matter under review and will update the House closely in the near future.