‘Urgent action is needed to tackle Covid pressures on schools’ says Eastbourne councillor

Eastbourne Lib Dem County Councillor Alan Shuttleworth is calling for a more urgent response to the way coronavirus is impacting families and schools.

Cllr Shuttleworth is seeking a full review at the County Council Education Lead Member meeting on January 18.

He has written to the lead member for education calling for a full report on the effect that coronavirus is having on families as well as on school staff across the county.

Cllr Shuttleworth said, “The government handling of policies around schools and education has been chaotic throughout this pandemic.

“Schools are currently under additional pressures as the number of children attending is much greater than in the first lockdown.

“There are also huge concerns around the provision of food and of the under provision of digital devices for those families who are in real need of help to access home learning for their children.

“There are still far too many families who are unable to access home learning. This is a disgrace after so many months of this health crisis.”

Cllr Shuttleworth’s letter asks for a report with a full assessment of the impact on schools including on the mental health and safety of staff members and the need to recognise school staff as a priority group for vaccination.

He said, “I will be looking to press East Sussex County Council to make representations to the Education Minister following a review of all these matters.”