Boris Johnson backs Peterborough MP’s plea for schools to return in September and urges Labour Party to tell teaching unions to do the same

MP Paul Bristow said he has visited nine schools around the city in recent weeks and praised the work that headteachers and staff have been doing under the circumstances during Covid-19 lockdown and social distancing limits to numbers attending.

He said: “They have done fantastic work, with heads, teachers and of course support staff facilitating e-learning and looking after vulnerable families often going above and beyond to keep children in Peterborough learning at home. But their huge effort is no substitute for real teaching in the classroom.”

He asked during Prime Minister’s Questions today (Wednesday): “Does the Prime Minister agree that it’s vital to get all of our children back where they belong in the classroom by September?”

This comes despite the challenges heads face in trying to maintain safe distancing procedures for pupils in “bubbles” and limited classroom space, as well as issues regarding school transport and ongoing local infection rates.

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson agreed with Mr Bristow’s sentiments and said: “It would be a fantastic thing to hear the Labour Party stand up to their friends in the unions and issue the same instruction. I think it’ll be a wonderful thing.”

The government has stated that it intends for all school pupils to return in September, with the reintroduction of fines for those not attending.

Mr Bristow commented later agreeing with the Prime Minister’s position, calling it “grossly irresponsible” of Labour to be “peddling consipracy theories” about Covid-19, saying: “Most importantly, we need to get our children back and learning normally.

“We all have a role in improving results. Parents, teachers, councillors and myself, as the local MP.”

He added: “There have been suggestions that some teachers have not been working too hard during lockdown. This isn’t reflected in what I’ve seen. Every school that I have visited has a programme for e-learning. Many are helping parents with printing, so children who can’t get online can use paper-based learning.

“Sadly, not every child has a stable or happy home. Vulnerable children have been contacted regularly, ensuring they take part in remote learning. Vouchers for those who normally get free school meals have been crucial for supporting families, as have mentoring schemes.

“As I went round, I tried my best to say thank you not just to the teachers, but to the support staff, receptionists and admin teams; to the cooks and everyone involved in school meals; and to those who look after the school estates. They are all important in our children’s education. “

But he added that not everything was perfect, saying results in the city’s primary schools still need to improve and suggested leadership in some schools should be stronger.