North West Norfolk MP hopes schools can re-open to all soon
James Wild supports the closure, but says kids belong in class
The MP for North West Norfolk, James Wild, appreciates schools being closed for longer will be disappointing for both parents and children.
Currently only vulnerable children or those whose parents are key workers are able to go into class, with the rest having to learn remotely.
While James Wild would like to see classrooms fully occupied again as soon as possible, he believes the Government is doing the right thing.
He said:
"There are around 170 people in the QEH and in order to try and reduce the number of infections and hospitilsations, keeping schools closed for a bit longer, will hopefully help bring those rates down."
However, he's keen schools should re-open to all pupils as soon as possible.
He said it's where children belong:
"There's no substitute for being in the classroom, which is why I want to see schools back as soon as possible. But parents will continue to be supported - the free school lunches will continue during this period.
"But it's vital we have a long term plan to help catch up the lost learning that's happened.
"It's been confirmed there'll be further funding to help pupils catch up - things like summers schools and other opportunies.
"But there's no denying this is having a huge impact on children's lives and their learning, which is why I want schools to re-open as soon as possible."
"And I want to say a big 'thank you' to all the teachers, teaching assistants and staff in schools who are working to support the vulnerable children and children of key workers as well as providing remote learning. It's a very difficult time and I know they want to be back in the classroom. Hopefully that will happen in March,"
Earlier this week, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, confirmed schools won't be re-opening to all students from after the February half term, saying the current situation will remain in place until 8 March at the earliest.