Coronavirus: Education Setting Attendance and Support for Pupils Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Coronavirus: Education Setting Attendance and Support for Pupils

Stephanie Peacock Excerpts
Thursday 23rd September 2021

(3 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alex Burghart Portrait Alex Burghart
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My hon. Friend raises an extremely important point. It is totally unacceptable that any teacher or headteacher is being placed under that pressure. The lies spread by certain groups are outrageous and have unquestionably made life uncomfortable for some people working in schools. I reiterate that schools following the guidelines are doing exactly the right thing. They are not legally liable for what happens. I understand that, so far, all participating schools are doing so in a highly professional manner.

Stephanie Peacock Portrait Stephanie Peacock (Barnsley East) (Lab)
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As the Minister rightly acknowledged, the need for mental health support for young people has risen significantly during the pandemic, yet providers of that support such as the fantastic charity TADS in Barnsley are struggling to access funding. I acknowledge his commitment to funding, but how will he ensure that it gets to the frontline? What can he do to help charities such as the one that I represent?

Alex Burghart Portrait Alex Burghart
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I have heard of TADS on my travels—it is an excellent charity. If she would like to send the details to the Department, I am happy to look into that for her.