Yesterday, we criticised the Government for its decision to commit just £1.4 billion on its school education recovery programme, noting that was one-tenth of what its own catch-up czar, Sir Kevan Collins, was calling for.
Later that day he resigned, citing a lack of “credible” funding. This is more than just an embarrassment for the Government. Sir Kevan is a widely-respected educationalist, and his exit should send shockwaves through the Government.
The plans, at present, would have meant additional spending of £50 per student per year. In a letter to the Prime Minister, Sir Kevan wrote: “I do not believe it is credible that a successful recovery can be achieved with a programme of support of this size.”
This newspaper agrees. We must be bold in getting our young people back on track, or we risk an entire generation suffering the scars of missed education throughout their lives.
Conservatives on the airwaves last night were doing damage control, pointing to the potential for more money to be allocated at the Spending Review in the autumn. It should now urgently set out how much it intends to invest and in which areas.
Education spending will not be the only test for building back better. From NHS waiting lists to mental health, Covid has stored up enormous long-term issues we now need to address. This episode suggests the Government is ill-prepared for the scale of the challenge.
