Laura Sharman 03 June 2021

Education recovery tsar resigns over lack of funding

Education recovery tsar resigns over lack of funding image

Sir Kevan Collins has resigned as the Government’s education recovery commissioner after warning the support announced ‘falls far short of what is needed’.

It is understood that Sir Kevan had called for a £15bn funding package to help schools recover from the pandemic.

However, this week the Prime Minister unveiled plans for £1.4bn investment, including 100 million hours of free tuition for children and young people across England.

Writing in The Times, he said: ‘The support announced by government so far does not come close to meeting the scale of the challenge and is why I have no option but to resign.

'It is too narrow, too small and will be delivered too slowly. A half-hearted approach risks failing hundreds of thousands of pupils.

Chief Executive of The Children’s Society, Mark Russell, said: 'We sincerely hope that today’s announced funding is just the start of a full recovery plan for children, but Sir Kevan’s resignation is a very worrying sign that the government will fall grossly short of what children desperately need.'

A No 10 spokeswoman said: 'The Government will continue to focus on education recovery and making sure no child is left behind with their learning, with over £3bn committed for catch up so far.'

LocalGov Weekly Round Up image

LocalGov Weekly Round Up

A pivotal week for councils sees fresh devolution plans, new service pilots and key legal and political battles, writes LocalGov editor William Eichler.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Accounting Officer

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Accounting OfficerPermanent, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Cook

North Yorkshire Council
£13.47 to £14.13 per hour
We have an opportunity to join our award-winning Facilities Management catering team Settle, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

HR Business Partner

North Yorkshire Council
£47,181 - £51,356 pro rata per annum
Health and Social Care Services have the privilege and responsibility of supporting people and their families when they need it the most. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Building Surveyor (Building Control)

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£38,220 to £44,075
Join our energetic and collaborative Building Control team, where your ideas will shine, and your voice will be heard. Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Occupational Health Technician

North East Lincolnshire Council
NJC15 £30,024
Could you play a vital role in protecting and promoting the wellbeing of an entire workforce? North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council
Linkedin Banner