'We need a break too' - Mail readers have their say on school holidays and returning to class after Covid-19 lockdown

Both teaching and learning during the pandemic have presented a range of challenges for families at home and staff in the workplace.

Speaking on Sky News, schools standards minister Nick Gibb said the Government wants to ensure that no pupils face any long-term detriment to their education as a result of the pandemic.

Mr Gibb explained that the Government is working on ‘other contingency’ plans, with the intention for all children at school in England to be back in class in September.

Funding will be made available to schools for the start of the new academic year, from a £650million pot.

During lockdown, some have suggested that the school holidays could change to account for time lost during the outbreak, so we asked if you thought the six-week summer break should continue as normal.

Many readers agreed that children have been working hard at home, with teachers going above and beyond to support them both in class and remote

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

Jan Winspear Proctor: “Yes they should. Teaching and support staff have all worked through this from day one. They have all worked harder than ever before making things safe for the kids.”

Diane Wilmot: “No way should schools be open during six-week holiday! We need a break too or don't teaching staff count?”

Sophie Whitelock: “I'm sorry but unless you're a teacher you have no right to say that teachers and children should be working over the summer. I am exhausted. We have NEVER stopped working.”

Louise Angel Mackay: “All the teachers, staff and kids who've worked throughout this time need a proper break. Yes the children have been off school, but not able to go anywhere.”

Jackie Greathead: “It's not just teachers who have to work, there's cleaners, caretakers and catering staff! All who have worked hard to keep schools open and provide a safe environment for vulnerable and keyworkers children.”

Gemma Rhead: “I'd love for the normality and routine back for my son but don't think schools should be open. Teachers and support staff have worked all the way through with no holidays. They deserve time to relax too.”

Diane Jordan: “My kids have done all the work sent for them. Also the teachers have been working really hard so why shouldn't they have their six weeks break?”

Lindsay Kay Davies: “I totally understand why parents want their children in schools to catch up but working in a school myself I’ve not had a day off throughout this pandemic, including working over Easter and half term.”

Brenda Nixon: “Definitely still have the six weeks holiday and if things continue as they are kids should not be going back in September either.”

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