The Director of Children, Schools and Families reported that COVID-19 had a significant impact locally from the beginning of March. Merton had one of the first schools in country to close. From that point they have working to support schools to stay open. During the lockdown all schools closed except for key workers and vulnerable children. Day care provision also remained open for key workers and vulnerable children. Schools re-opened gradually over the summer term and opened fully in September albeit with a staggered start. There have been some understandable concerns from communities and from school staff but all schools are now open.

In response to questions the Director of Children, Schools and Families reported that:

There has been excellent support from health and the police and leadership from schools with good workforce capacity amongst council staff. Everyone has adapted to this challenging environment.

Preparations began at the end of summer in the event there is another lockdown. The Government aim to keep schools open as a priority. Education materials will be provided in a lockdown situation and schools will be able to mobilise their lockdown offer should it be necessary. It will be the same response as last time but now with improved understanding and capacity because of all we have learnt in the first half of the year. There are no financial resources available from the council for schools who have been impacted by COVID. The Government have offered some help. Fewer schools are forecasting a deficit this year.

Students who have developed a knowledge gap due to the lock down are receiving support and remedial action within their school.  Government funding is available to schools to help them meet individual pupils’ needs. Schools are aware of widening gaps across education, health and income. Resources have been made available to address wellbeing needs.

A Panel Member asked about the data gathered on children who had a knowledge gap during lock down. It was suggested that this Panel should monitor their progress over the next 12 months. The Director of Children, Schools and Families confirmed that schools held individual pupil data and there were no plans to gather or monitor it centrally. The Director confirmed that pupil progress is otherwise monitored through SATS, GCSE’s and A levels. There is no evidence that repeatedly testing children is beneficial.  Schools are supporting the young people they know based on their current and expected levels.

The Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education expressed concern that inequalities have been exacerbated because of COVID-19. Schools are already concerned, as is the council.

A panel member said it is important to ensure both parents and children’s mental health is supported, they urged the Director and Cabinet Member to pay attention to this issue.

A Panel member said a young person in Pollards Hill has asked for clarification about the potential changes to GSCE’s and A levels next year. The Director of Children, Schools and Families confirmed that we do not know at this stage but extensive changes are not expected.

A panel member raised concerns about the registration of new-borns and inoculations cancelled during lockdown. The Director of Children, Schools and Families said that registrars have resumed birth registrations have cleared the backlog and have not missed any babies. Parents were concerned about taking children for vaccinations or were delayed. During the Pandemic there has been strengthened partnerships, stronger communities and Merton is performing well on many measures.

RESOLVED

The Chair thanked Panel Members for their report and highlighted that the Pandemic has led to more neighbourliness as well as highlighted existing inequalities.