Hartlepool families have their say on summer teaching as Government announces 'catch-up' funding for schools

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Mail readers have both backed and criticised holding summer schooling during the six-week break to help children catch up on lost learning as a result of the pandemic.

The Government this week announced an additional £400million of funding to help pupils catch up from coronavirus disruption – with secondary schools asked to deliver some summer teaching to mitigate time spent at home instead of in the classroom, with part of the funding going towards this.

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As schools prepare to resume face-to-face teaching in England from Monday, March 8 we asked for your views on summer schooling.

While some backed the idea of giving children time to catch up, others stressed the importance of enjoying missed family and leisure time

This is what you said on the Hartlepool Mail Facebook page:

Gemma Rhead: “While it would be nice for children to catch up should they need it, spare a thought for all the teaching/non-teaching staff who have worked their backsides off during the pandemic.”

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Tracey Small: “Cut the six weeks’ holiday down to three or four weeks, it’s too long anyway, that way the teachers and the children still get a break and the extra two or three weeks they can catch up.”

Vicky Elsdon: “They will catch up in school. Also poor teachers have been working hard through the pandemic they deserve their break too."

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson holds a virtual news conference at 10 Downing Street. Picture: John Sibley - WPA Pool/Getty Images.Education Secretary Gavin Williamson holds a virtual news conference at 10 Downing Street. Picture: John Sibley - WPA Pool/Getty Images.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson holds a virtual news conference at 10 Downing Street. Picture: John Sibley - WPA Pool/Getty Images.

Karen Crowther:Teachers have done enough, they deserve their break too and I certainly want to spend the holidays making memories with my boys at places we've not been able to visit.”

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Peter Chamberlayne: “I think it is a good idea, as long as it is voluntary for all concerned. Its been a long hard year, and people need a break, even if its just a few days at the seaside.”

Kaylie Louise: “Teachers, parents, kids alike all need the summer (when restrictions are lowered) to get back that bond, the family feel, the days out, the fun! The raising of mental health.

"It’s fundamental that these kids get an ounce of joy back. It is a no from me.”

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Sara Stead: “School staff have worked throughout and the kids deserve to enjoy the summer once things are open. Some kids have been in school throughout and also deserve a break.”

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