Education Settings: Wider Opening Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Education Settings: Wider Opening

David Evennett Excerpts
Tuesday 9th June 2020

(4 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Gavin Williamson Portrait Gavin Williamson
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We always have and will continue to have regular meetings with them to share our most up-to-date plans.

David Evennett Portrait Sir David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford) (Con) [V]
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I appreciate that health and safety issues are paramount when deciding to reopen primary schools to all children and I welcome the flexibility in my right hon. Friend’s statement today. However, I share concerns about the serious impact that the lack of schooling will have on many disadvantaged children from poor households. I welcome his commitment that they will be a top priority. Will he reaffirm that for me?

Gavin Williamson Portrait Gavin Williamson
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I absolutely reaffirm that to my right hon. Friend, and the importance of ensuring that pupils are back in full-time schooling at the earliest possible moment. We will continue to work with schools to bring more children back into that formal education environment as swiftly as we possibly can.