Gibb hints of a summer 'catch-up' package

Schools minister Nick Gibb has said the DfE is in talks with schools and education charities with the aim of creating “a package for catch-up over the summer”.

Talking virtually to the education select committee today, Gibb said he had to be “coy with the details” as discussions hadn't conculded, but they “will be able to say something fairly soon”.

He said department would have to “use volunteers and trainee teachers to make sure everybody can help”.

Teach First has previously called on the Government to help fund intensive recovery provision during the summer to help get children from disadvantaged backgrounds on track after school closures.

The charity has called for this provision to be launched in late summer if social distancing rules allow it, or alternatively to be phased into the next academic year and beyond.