South Tyneside 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 Shields Gazette Facebook page:

Sarah Keighery: “Definitely not! Many teachers are teaching children in the classroom as well as providing remote learning and then going home to teach their own children.”

Leanne GartIand: “Not a chance! Children need socialising and to catch up on lost time with friends and family not more maths and English! Look after their mental well-being, and the academic stuff will follow!”

Gail Brockenbrow: “No. Teachers have been working behind the scenes. Working how to teach children when not in classroom. Let the children have their summer, being outside in fresh air with families and see friends.”

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Michelle Gray-Falconbridge: “No it's not fair on the teachers or the kids. They haven't been out enjoying their lives, they have been stuck in house away from friends and activities.”

Michelle Gribbon: “If they did anything they should have had activity clubs not lessons with sport, art, music drama, science, whatever so kids could catch up on life experience for health and well-being ready for the next school year.”

Ian Palmer: “Sounds like an excellent idea. Nothing more important than a childs education as there is rarely a second chance.”

Elizabeth Anne Dough: “It should be on a voluntary basis, if pupils wish to attend, and parents feel it would be beneficial, why not?”

Kelly Crowther: “I think it should certainly be optional. So many hours per week or certain times for children who need it. My daughter loves school and would certainly benefit from some summer school time.

"But again, it's personal choice.”

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