People Are Calling For Summer Holidays To Be Cancelled To Help Kids Catch Up

Summer holidays should be cancelled to help vulnerable children catch up on the school they have missed, a former Ofsted boss has suggested.

Sir Michael Wilshaw advised that schools should stay open when the summer holidays typically take place, and over weekends, so that children can make up valuable hours of teaching.

He warned Sky News that lockdown could create "a lost generation of youngsters," adding: "It is a great tragedy because our education system has made huge progress over the last few years and the results published last year show that.

"It is a great shame that this could unravel that progress."

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His thoughts were echoed by the Children's Commissioner for England, Anne Longfield, who told The Guardian: "It would be really valuable, if the scientific advice says they can, to have schools consider opening in some form over the summer holidays to help children learn and catch up but also to offer them a safe place to play and socialise with friends.

"It would also provide vital childcare for families who need to get their incomes back up as they, hopefully, return to work."

She added that schools could even bring in play, sports and youth workers to help care for the young pupils.

However, The Department for Education (DfE) has said that cancelling holidays is "not realistic," and they had no plans to do so.

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Plus, the National Education Union stated it had "major practical and contractual concerns" about implementing such plans.

Downing Street wants schools to begin gradually reopening from June 1st, starting with reception, year one and six.

Secondary schools will then welcome years 10 and 12 back first, on June 15th - the same day that non-essential shops reopen.

But many local authorities have warned that schools may not be ready to open by these dates, and exact timings may vary.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said that children could not continue without school for "months and months" longer, although he recognised an "initial nervousness" among parents to send them back.

Topics: News, Coronavirus

Joanna Freedman

Joanna is a journalist at Tyla with a particular interest in highlighting women's issues and telling inspiring first person stories. She's also their resident foodie, and loves covering exciting new beauty launches, too. Contact her at [email protected].

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