School days could be extended by 30 minutes in a bid to help pupils catch up under a new £15 billion Covid rescue strategy, leaked plans suggest.
According to a 56-page presentation of a report seen by The Times, the government’s education recovery commissioner, Sir Kevan Collins, has called for all children to receive an extra 100 hours of education per year from 2022.
It’s understood that schools are likely to be allowed to choose how they distribute the extra hours, which equate to an additional 30 minutes per day.
The plan also suggests extra tutoring for five million students and further training for 500,000 teachers.
Sixth form students could also receive an extra year if they cannot complete A-level courses in time.
The presentation, based on Sir Kevan’s report from mid-April, is described as a draft that is 90 per cent complete.
At the heart of the document are the “three Ts” — extra time, teaching and tutoring, which it says is needed for students to catch up.
The Times reports that Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been briefed on the findings and is believed to have expressed support.
The Department of Education is also said to be supportive.
It comes after Mr Johnson said establishing a plan to help pupils catch up is “the biggest priority”, and pledged that “no child is left behind as a result of the learning they have lost over the past year”.
In March, Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, said she believes catching up on learning is achievable, but young people must catch up on the “essential experiences of childhood” as well.
Speaking at the Association of School and College Leaders conference, Dame Rachel, said: “We shouldn’t panic children about the lessons they have missed or about how far they have fallen behind.
“Giving children opportunities to rediscover play, sport, clubs and activities and just spending time with their friends must be one of the foundations of helping them to get back on track.”
She added: “All of us know just how much our children have borne the brunt of the Covid-19 pandemic... it is so important that they are able to catch up on the essential experiences of childhood.”
