Tory MP says UK facing 'epidemic of educational poverty' in scathing attack after primary school plans shelved

A Tory MP has launched a scathing attack on the Government's plan for schools
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A Tory MP has attacked the Government’s approach to reopening schools, warning that the country is facing an “epidemic of educational poverty”.

Robert Halfon, chairman of the Commons Education Committee, wants the Government to reconsider its plans after it emerged that ministers are set to drop the plan to get all primary pupils back in the classroom before the summer holidays.

There had previously been an aim to get primary schools fully back up and running by the end of June so children have could four weeks in education before the summer break.

Mr Halfon, a former education minister, told BBC News: “There could be an epidemic of educational poverty, a growing digital divide and a safeguarding crisis with vulnerable children being affected by mental health, possibly being exposed to online harms, possibly joining county gangs.

“These vulnerable children - of which we know roughly 700,000 are not doing any school homework at all - may have their life chances damaged hugely by being away from school for 40 per cent of the school year.”

Mr Halfon warned the Government was “potentially damaging children's life chances” during the morning media round.

He called for efforts to be made to educate children during the summer including lessons broadcast through national media outlets.

He also said the UK was a "strange country" for prioritising the reopening pubs over ensuring children could continue their learning in school.

Rob Halfon (Chris McAndrew / UK Parliament )
Chris McAndrew / UK Parliament

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson is due to deliver a statement to Parliament on the reopening of schools this afternoon.

The Department of Education said it remained the "ambition" for all primary school children to return before the summer holidays. But it has not denied reports today that this might not be fulfilled.

Department for Education sources have implied they are likely to step back on the primary school reopening pledge.

It comes after Health Secretary Matt Hancock conceded secondary schools in England may not fully reopen until later than September despite saying coronavirus is "in retreat" across the UK.

Mr Hancock said at the Downing Street briefing that it was still "our current working plan" that secondary schools in England will not open until September "at the earliest".

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