Education Settings: Autumn Opening Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Education Settings: Autumn Opening

Virginia Crosbie Excerpts
Thursday 2nd July 2020

(4 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Gavin Williamson Portrait Gavin Williamson
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I absolutely assure the hon. Lady of the work to endeavour to ensure that that high-quality online teaching is there. We have seen that through the creation of the Oak National Academy. She may have noticed the announcement a few days ago about the expansion of that academy, so that it can continue to provide a full and total curriculum across all year groups and every subject. That is a brilliant innovation, and I very much encourage the hon. Lady and her constituents to take advantage of it.

Virginia Crosbie Portrait Virginia Crosbie (Ynys Môn) (Con)
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Our teachers are critical if we are to look after the next generation and deliver our levelling up agenda. How is the Secretary of State supporting our hard-working supply teachers at this exceptional time, and how is he ensuring that our supply teachers are receiving appropriate remuneration?

Gavin Williamson Portrait Gavin Williamson
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My hon. Friend has raised with me the concern that a number of supply teachers in her constituency of Anglesey have suffered as a result of not being able to access the furlough scheme. In England, many agencies have been working closely with the Treasury to access the furlough scheme. I encourage the Welsh Government to support agencies to help their supply staff to be able to access that as well.