Sheffield headteacher speaks of need to ‘maximise learning’ amid fears schools will not reopen until after Easter

The Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said he wants to get pupils back in the classroom at the “earliest possible opportunity” and “certainly hopes” that schools will reopen before Easter.

But, speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he said any decision would be made on scientific advice and that schools would be given a “clear two-week notice period” so they could properly prepare to welcome pupils back.

Now, with Covid cases still at high levels, Paul Haigh, headteacher of King Ecgbert School in Dore, has spoken of the need to make online learning “as good as it can possibly be” to ensure pupils are not adversely affected should school closures be extended.

He said: “I think we all, sadly, knew after last time, that when schools closed in January to most students it was going to be ambitious to open them again to all students in February.

"Whilst there is cause for great optimism with the vaccine being rolled out schools like ours know our job right now is to care for the vulnerable and key worker children in school, do a great job with safeguarding those at home and continue to make our online virtual school as good as it can possibly be.

"We need to maximise learning and minimise the damage an extended lockdown will cause to students’ education and wellbeing.

“On top of that at King Ecgbert we have a growing role in supporting other schools with their online virtual schools through our partnership with Notre Dame High School as EdTech Sheff to provide DfE funded support to schools.

"I want parents and teachers to know help is available locally to provide the best possible remote learning experience for students who could be at home for some weeks yet.”

Boris Johnson initially ordered schools to close until after the February half-term break in a bid to drive down soaring coronavirus infection rates.

Downing Street said the Prime Minister wanted schools to reopen as quickly as possible but refused to be drawn on whether it would be before Easter.

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