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

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.

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 Sunderland Echo Facebook page:

Rosalind Grant: “No for two reasons. One, the children also need the holidays to have time to go to places with family and friends after being at home for so long.

"They need to be out learning about the places they visit. These are valuable lessons as well. Back to get to socialising again. They can catch up on any schooling lost.

"Outside learning is just as valuable. Also teachers need a change as they have been working throughout the lockdown.”

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Wendy Hall Smith: “Yes. As good as some parents have done with their home schooling, the children still have not had the quantity and quality of schooling actually being in class provides.

"A few weeks’ summer school wont hurt. They will still get down time.”

Vicky LH: “I think children have missed out on more than just education over the last year and deserve a chance to socialise with friends and family as well as visiting new places.”

Emma Louise Pigdon: “Absolutely not! Teachers & teaching staff have worked constantly throughout school closures. Also, teaching assistants aren’t paid for school holidays so would be working for free?

"Plus what about children’s mental health which is a very popular topic at the minute - don’t they deserve a break too?”

Lindsey Watson Smith: “Yes but I would feel guilty about the teachers having to give up their holidays. If teachers are willing to do the overtime and as long as they are paid well then yes. I know my child would benefit from it.”

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