Post Covid-19, the government shortly introduced a recovery scheme for schools across the UK.
What is the post-covid recovery scheme for schools?
This scheme is focused on providing extra support to students whose education has been most disrupted by the pandemic.
By providing students with additional tutors, the government aim to get students’ learning back on track for their targeted grades.
Introduced in November 2020, the National Tutoring Programme is aimed toward both primary and secondary school students.
So far, it is estimated that the government have invested £349 million into the NTP.
Randstad, a Dutch human resources firm, was given responsibility for distributing the tutors and was awarded £25.4 million to lead the scheme.
However, recent figures reveal that Randstad had only reached 15% of their overall target – causing MP’s to have “huge concerns”.
This resulted in the government cutting ties with Randstad in March, to help simplify the programme for schools.
Why was there little success for NTP?
Many schools and tuition providers have reported that they were unable to access the scheme.
This could help to explain why a large percentage of schools haven’t participated.
The Education Secretary, Nadhim Zahawi, has since urged to use NTP as over 40% of schools have failed to join.
In an attempt to persuade teachers, Zahawi declared to publish data that reveals which schools haven’t used NTP this academic year.
Zahawi’s statement ultimately stirred backlash amongst the general public, who didn’t like his approach.
Recent data reveals that two in five schools have not offered any NTP sessions.
The General Secretary, Dr Mary Bousted, stated: “The National Tutoring Programme is not working”.
Paul Whiteman, General Secretary of School Leaders’ Union (NAHT) explained: “Ongoing delays, conflicting guidance, and a shortage of high-quality tutors… has meant many schools have simply not been able to use the National Tutoring Programme”.
In contrast to this, the NTP states that they have “developed options that make it easier for schools to access tutoring”.
Most chose the schools-led tuition route with NTP; where they were awarded funding to independently spend on tuition.
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