John Baron MP welcomes Government support for remote education

MP: Closing schools was a sensible response

Throughout the pandemic education has been a strong priority and the Government has taken extensive steps to keep schools open. However, with the country in Alert Level 5, the closure of schools is necessary to keep virus levels down, especially with the more infectious new variant strain in circulation. While there is no substitute for learning in a classroom, the Government is providing a million laptops and tablets for schools to allocate locally to pupils who need them most. So far it has delivered over 560,000 devices to councils in England, with local pupils benefitting from 908 devices across Essex, with a further 100,000 arriving this week nationally. In addition, over 54,000 4G routers have been delivered to schools and colleges across England, ensuring that schoolchildren have internet access. Through partnerships with leading mobile ‘phone providers, pupils are receiving free internet access until July 2021.

John said,

“The difficult decision to close schools and colleges, which remain safe, was not taken lightly, but it is a sensible response to the changing circumstances of a more infectious new variant strain. Nothing can replace the benefits of the classroom, but it is good news that the Government is making these devices and internet access available so pupils can continue learning.”