£5m. in Covid recovery could be given to Education
EDUCATION could receive more than £5m. in additional funding over the next three years as part of the island’s Covid recovery plans.
Students most affected emotionally and academically by the pandemic would benefit from the funding if the States agrees to the proposals in the updated Government Work Plan. Additional staff would be recruited and interventions made for disadvantaged children and those presenting with mental health and wellbeing needs.
A special educational needs coordinator, working across pre-schools and early years, and additional learning support assistants would be recruited to the workforce to support early years, primary and secondary students.
Director of Education Nick Hynes said every pound spent to benefit children and young people would be a pound well spent.
‘While we were very fortunate that the pandemic didn’t prevent young people accessing learning, or cause them to have long periods outside school, we have nevertheless experienced two years of significant disruption.’
School exams are still seeing disruption. Jersey’s government announced this week that students who miss A-level or GCSE exams due to Covid will not be given teacher assessment grades instead, but it is not yet clear whether the same will apply to Guernsey. Mr Hynes said learning for some students would have been affected more than others during the pandemic and funding would be targeted at children and young people who most needed the support.
‘A significant part of the additional funding, if it’s agreed by the States, will go towards a variety of work streams over the next three years that we’re referring to as our Covid bounce-back plan – activities which are completely aligned with the priorities and commitments of our Education Strategy,’ he said.
Almost 900 staff members out of 1,200 participated in a values assessment survey to establish what extra resources were required to ensure students could bounce back from two years of disruption.
ESC president Andrea Dudley-Owen welcomed the staff feedback.
‘The plans developed by the committee, with the support of Policy & Resources, show our level of commitment to listening and taking action.
'We cannot stand still, investment in education is essential for the future success of our young people and our community. All of this work aligns with our Education Strategy and we are starting to see that this is having a positive impact.’
