Highlights of the week ending 29 January 2021
The reopening of schools has once again dominated the news.
Labour began the week asking an Urgent Question on the government’s plans.
Wednesday saw the Prime Minister’s statement which provided some detail, including the hope that schools in England could begin reopening from 8 March. Schools will be given two weeks’ notice before opening.
Welsh First Minister, Mark Drakeford, later announced some students in Wales could become the first in the UK to return to the classroom. If rates continue to fall some primary school children could begin a phased return from 22 February.
A report from Ofsted found that pupils’ engagement and motivation remain a significant challenge for schools providing remote learning.
FE finances were once again under the spotlight as the Public Accounts Committee reported on the sustainability of the sector. The chair, Meg Hillier, called on ministers to take a hold of the situation – something which will be needed if deliver on levelling up and building the skills of the nation. In support of that agenda, Gillian Keegan announced that employers can now apply for a £1000 cash boost to assist them to take on new trainees.
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