Covid-19: Educational Settings Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Covid-19: Educational Settings

Jonathan Gullis Excerpts
Wednesday 6th January 2021

(3 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Gavin Williamson Portrait Gavin Williamson
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The hon. Lady will probably be aware that just before Christmas, the Government announced additional support for university students, with an extra package to help those youngsters who are most vulnerable. We will continue to work with the sector to look at how best we can support students and the sector as a whole.

Jonathan Gullis Portrait Jonathan Gullis (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Con) [V]
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I cannot hide my disappointment and sadness to see school gates closed to so many students from across Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke. Remote learning has many challenges, from unsuitable learning environments to no online connectivity and not having the necessary digital devices. Will my right hon. Friend continue discussions with me and the Minister for School Standards to get textbooks distributed to pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds, so that they do not fall victim to the digital divide while learning remotely?

Gavin Williamson Portrait Gavin Williamson
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I have asked officials to organise a meeting between my hon. Friend, my right hon. Friend the Minister for School Standards and me next week to discuss this. We all recognise what an important role textbooks play in helping and supporting learning, and there has been some brilliant work and investment in producing exceptionally high-quality material. I look forward to meeting him next week to discuss how we can get textbooks distributed, especially to some of the most disadvantaged communities across our country.