We risk damaging the life chances of disadvantaged children if we don’t re-open schools

THE anxieties of parents about sending their children back to school are entirely understandable.

So, too are the concerns of the teachers and support staff.

1

Yet, all the evidence from the WHO, EU countries and the chief medical officer suggests it is safe to send our children back to the classroom.

We must look at the bigger picture — 85 per cent of disadvantaged pupils are not in school.

And 55 per cent of teachers in the most deprived areas suggest that their children are learning for less than one hour a day.

Some 700,000 children don’t have access to a computer or tablet.

So, for all the impressive Oak Academy learning initiatives and ed tech, we are not reaching those that need support the most.

Most read in Opinion

THE SUN SAYS

Labour's promises to be focused on growth are in danger of looking like jokes

ROSS CLARK

Labour promised growth - if they mean it, cut spending & boost private sector

THE SUN SAYS

Starmer must resist the incessant siren calls of Remainers in his party

MARK DAY

Come on down to Oz, bring your skills and stop worrying about snakes and ­spiders

The effects of school closures extend to the economy and productivity, too, with many parents taking time off work to provide childcare.

Further, by the time current pupils hit their 20s, it is estimated that they will have ten per cent lower skills than they would otherwise have, potentially widening the skills gap even more.

Unless we reopen schools soon, we risk damaging the life chances of thousands of children.

GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]