Luton pupils receive extra support before heading back to school

The post COVID-19 catch up journey has begun for Pioneer Learning Trust schools and their pupils.

Chantry Primary Academy, Southfield Primary School and Whitefield Primary Academy, in Luton, are all running Summer School programmes, bringing groups of Year 6 pupils back to school early to support them in catching up with missed learning.

CEO of the Trust, Cori Bateman, said: “COVID-19 hasn’t stopped our schools from supporting our children’s families with learning resources, activity packs, food parcels and even birthday presents being delivered to families throughout the lockdown period.

"This is just another example of how our schools are working hard for our pupils in the most difficult of circumstances.

"I’m incredibly proud of our staff team for everything they have done since the lockdown in March.”

A number of teaching staff from each of the schools have given up the final week of their summer break to provide small-group, tailored sessions to over 100 pupils.

One parent said: "Thank you for giving the new Year 6 children the opportunity to come in this week.

"My child was very nervous but he’s had a brilliant time and feels much more confident now!"

The government have pledged £1 billion to support children in catching up following months of school closures due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Cori added: "Funding figures weren’t issued until the end of July but now that we have the funding we will be considering a range of strategies to support all of our children to close any gaps which have opened due to the pandemic.

"We are fortunate to have such committed teams who will make this happen.”

Mrs Lunn, teacher at Chantry Primary Academy, said: “It’s been wonderful to see just how enthused and raring to go the pupils all are.

"They’ve come in with a great, ‘can-do’ attitude and I’ve been really impressed with how determined they all are.”