'A much-needed rest' - Gazette readers have their say on school holidays and returning to class after Covid-19 lockdown

Both teaching and learning during the pandemic have presented a range of challenges for families at home and staff in the workplace.

Speaking on Sky News, schools standards minister Nick Gibb said the Government wants to ensure that no pupils face any long-term detriment to their education as a result of the pandemic.

Mr Gibb explained that the Government is working on ‘other contingency’ plans, with the intention for all children at school in England to be back in class in September.

Funding will be made available to schools for the start of the new academic year, from a £650million pot.

During lockdown, some have suggested that the school holidays could change to account for time lost during the outbreak, so we asked if you thought the six-week summer break should continue as normal.

Many readers agreed that children have been working hard at home, with teachers going above and beyond to support them both in class and remote

This is what you said on the Shields Gazette Facebook page:

Hannah Louise Clark: “I dont think the summer holidays should be touched. If we think we may be more back to ‘normal’ by then, it's a good chance for families to spend time together and do more fun things after being stuck at home for so long.”

Chris Chamley: “Teachers have still had to work at school with key workers’ children and those that are at risk, whilst also working from home doing the planning and support for the kids that are home learning.”

Steven Chippendale: “I’ve thought for years that the school summer hols should be brought forward in the north, as we get our best weather between June and the end of July. Why not do that, starting this year.”

Mary King: “Definitely not, the teachers (who have had to work) have gone above and beyond. Worked through all Easter and half term no extra pay. Think of their families too, let them spend a bit time with them. They have also been key workers. Well done all of you.”

Charlotte Watson: “Absolutely some teachers haven't had a break. It's a much needed rest for them all. Why should they have to work in the six weeks.”

Steven Porter: “No, the holidays should be reduced. School staff can suck it up like many other industries have had to. The priority should be on the children and guaranteeing that they can get back to their education and their classmates.”

Fiona Pearce: “All depends on your circumstances. Should be optional, run by volunteers and not stringently curriculum based. It needs to be focused on kids social well-being not academic.”

Maria Wilkinson: “The pandemic is still happening so using this years six weeks holiday to catch up is stupid.”

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