Nadhim Zahawi, the Secretary of State for Education, has put out a call to school leaders to encourage ex-teachers “to sign up” to help with staff shortages due to Covid-19.
In an email sent to headteachers, the minister said the Government was looking at what measures needed to be taken “to boost supply capacity” as the impact of the pandemic continues.
Schools are struggling to remain open due to rising Covid-19 cases resulting in staff and student absences, an education association said.
Go here for the latest coronavirus updates and breaking Covid-19 news
According to Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), schools in high infection areas in England have had 25% of staff absent over three weeks and called on the government to offer schools financial backing for supply covers.
Zahawi confirmed that that Department for Education officials have begun to discuss plans with key stakeholders.
“We know that in areas with high absence a particular issue can be the availability of supply staff. We want to make sure that as many supply staff as possible are available to schools and colleges,” Mr Zahawi said.
The Education Secretary added: “We will work with sector leaders and supply agencies over the coming days to offer advice to ex-teachers who want to provide support to schools and colleges.
He said: “We will help them to register with supply agencies as the best way to boost the temporary workforce available to the sector. From now, you can support this effort by using your own professional and personal networks to encourage others to sign up to offer temporary help.”
