Lancaster MP says ‘under pressure’ teachers need more government support post-Covid

Over the last few months, the MP says her inbox has been inundated with emails from education professionals who are worried about the impact the pandemic continues to have on both children and school staff.

“Covid hasn’t gone away and on a daily basis head teachers are trying to manage huge numbers of staff absences when there’s very few supply staff available due to a critical national shortage,” said Ms Smith.

“The recruitment and retention of teachers is at an all-time low. If that wasn’t bad enough head teachers are also trying to respond to the high numbers of pupil absences and providing home learning packages via digital technology.

“Two years ago teacher’s jobs literally changed overnight and since then there’s been very little understanding or support from the government.”

In addition the MP says she’s also concerned that the relationship between OFSTED and schools has become increasingly toxic, with schools dreading the visit of the inspectorate.

“School inspection certainly plays its part in reassuring parents and carers that their children are receiving high quality education - but the Government must look at ways of moving the inspectorate to being more developmental and less judgemental.