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WQ.402/2020
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR CHILDREN AND HOUSING BY DEPUTY J.H. PERCHARD OF ST. SAVIOUR
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 2nd NOVEMBER 2020
Question
What is the Minister's assessment in respect of whether there exists an attainment gap between the Island's most advantaged and disadvantaged students following Covid-prompted school closures, and will he explain what plans, if any, are in place to support children and families affected by any such attainment gap?
Answer
In consultation with the Minister for Education I can confirm that the School Improvement and Advisory Service (SIAS) have methodically and rigorously investigated the impact of COVID-19 in our Government of Jersey (GOJ) schools. Unquestionably, the closure of schools has affected all children. The SIAS team has produced a report that details the consequences of school closures. There were three groups of children specifically affected: Jersey Premium, English as an Additional Language and Special Educational Needs. Based on the knowledge from SIAS's investigation, a Business Case was produced and submitted for approval to the COM. The sum total of this business case is £1.3 million to be spent on two projects: 1. Teacher training and support – totalling £330,000; 2. 1:1 tuition – totalling £1 millions pounds. Meetings have already been held with unions and headteachers. We have listened carefully to both groups and have now produced the relevant materials for all GOJ schools. The materials – how to become a tutor; the hourly rate for tutoring children; and, the types of teacher training and support – all will be sent to schools the first week after half-term.