Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan demands answers from education secretary

In his letter to Gavin Williamson, Mr Morgan set out the key priorities he wants to see addressed for the city’s children and young people.

Mr Morgan wants to know the government’s plan to get children back into classrooms after February half-term, how they intend to address the digital divide during lockdown and clarity over how pupils are to be awarded grades.

The MP said: ‘The uncertainty for pupils, parents and school staff in Portsmouth is seriously concerning and the secretary of state must clarify the government’s wider strategy on this immediately. I’m particularly worried about the impacts lockdown could have on those young people who do not have access to a computer.

‘The government should also be concentrating its efforts on rolling out the vaccine and getting students back into the classroom as quickly and safely as possible.’

SEE ALSO: Portsmouth headteachers plead with parents to only send children to school if ‘you really need to’

Mr Morgan also reiterated his call for increased funding to ensure pupils and staff are protected, including nurseries. Assurances were also being sought over the grading of students who do not sit upcoming BTEC examinations.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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