Schools Reopening

Dear constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about the reopening of schools.

I am pleased to see children returning to school. Many children will have experienced a gap of several months in their education, and every day they have missed out has had an impact on them as well as putting a huge strain on families who are forced to juggle childcare and work commitments.

I believe that school is the best place for children to be, not only for their learning but for their emotional and social wellbeing, and I pay tribute to the school staff who have worked through the holidays to welcome them back safely.

It must now be ensured that pupils continue to receive a full education throughout the year and catch up on the learning they have lost.

I recognise the concerns that have been raised by parents and guardians regarding the reopening of schools and I know that the top priority as schools return is the wellbeing of their children. I implore the Government to listen to the concerns raised.

I have called on the Government to ensure that the conditions in every school are suitable and safe for staff and students. 

Thank you once again for contacting me about this issue. The education of our children and young people must be a national priority and I can assure you that I will continue to monitor developments closely.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Dowd MP