Gavin Williamson tells LBC 'no corners have been cut' on education recovery plan

2 June 2021, 10:16 | Updated: 2 June 2021, 10:26

Education Sec asked if tutoring is being 'done on the cheap'

By Emma Soteriou

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson faced questions on LBC today amid accusations over a lack funding for new interventions as a part of the Covid-19 education recovery plan.

Measures announced include tutoring in small groups for students as well as improving teacher quality and extending the school day in a package worth £1.4bn. However critics have criticised the sum as "pathetic" and that a figure ten times higher is needed.

Tutors would not make more than £11 an hour, according to LBC's calculations, which Nick highlighted was "roughly what you would get working at a burger bar".

"Are we going to get crash-hot tutors delivering for that money, Secretary of State?" Nick asked.

Mr Williamson replied: "What you will also recognise is much of this tutoring will be done in small groups of maybe three children with a tutor.

"This delivers real benefit, has an amazing impact.”

"No corners have been cut. We have been rolling out this programme, and it’s delivering, it’s working, it’s having an impact on children.

"We want millions of more children to benefit from it and that is why we’re doing it."

Nick then challenged him on whether Chancellor Rishi Sunak refused to give him any more funding for the programme.

He sidestepped the question, saying: "I was absolutely delighted with £1.4 billion."

"What we are able to do with £1.4 billion is deliver massive expansion of tutoring, massive expansion in terms of teacher quality, and that is going to have a direct impact," he added.

"Did you ask for more in the region of five to six billion pounds, Secretary of State?" asked Nick.

"Nick, it is incredibly tempting to get involved in divulging to you private conversations with the Chancellor and Prime Minister, but I am going to possibly side-step this one." Mr Williamson said.

Read more: Ministers ‘planning longer school days’ to catch up on lost learning during Covid crisis

Read more: Nearly two in five parents ‘spending more on children’s education this year’

Williamson: "I've never known a union to say this is enough money"

When explaining the recovery plan, Mr Williamson said: "These are interventions that are going to be impacting on children straight away – immediately.

"Yes, we have more work to be done as part of a process, but this is going to be helping children when they are getting back into school."

Mr Williamson claimed it is not just about the academic side, but "the enrichment children get" too.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Iranian soldiers in Tehran. The country has one of the strongest armies in the Middle East

Does Iran have nuclear weapons and what is its military capability?

UK's first women-only tower block to open in west London next summer.

UK's first women-only tower block to open in west London next summer providing 'lifeline' to domestic abuse survivors

Screen grab taken from PA video of Katie Wallis (left) leaving Cardiff Magistrates' Court after they pleaded guilty to the harassment of their ex-wife, Rebecca Wallis.

Former Conservative MP pleads guilty to harassing ex-wife

Man, 49, who 'went crazy' after taking crack cocaine jailed for 39 years following Christmas Day double murder

Man, 49, who 'went crazy' after taking crack cocaine jailed for 39 years following Christmas Day double murder

Disgraced music mogul R. Kelly taken to hospital after 'overdosing' in prison

Disgraced music mogul R. Kelly taken to hospital after 'overdosing' in prison - alleging prison staff are to blame

The Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, Putney.

South London nurse struck off over 'sexually motivated' WhatsApps to colleague, claiming it was 'just banter'

Annabel Rook

Charity boss found stabbed to death in London home after police rushed to scene following 'gas explosion'

Exclusive
British Army soldiers gather outside the hospitality chalet of aerospace manufacturer Thales.

UK would ‘lose war with Russia’ in current setup, as Army chief calls for greater use of attack drones and missiles

Bethan James died on February 8, 2020, after alleged delays to treatment.

Ex-England cricketer’s daughter 'could have been saved' if medics didn't 'miss signs of sepsis', inquest hears

Woodburn's co-star Aggie Mackenzie has acknowledged the death by giving a statement.

Aggie MacKenzie breaks silence after death of 'tortured soul' Kim Woodburn decades on from pair's feud

Easyjet flights to Spain are set to be grounded

Easyjet cabin crew announce three days of summer strike action grounding flights later this month

Chris Wilder

Sheffield United set to sack Chris Wilder after missing out on promotion to the Premier League

acegoers attending Day One of Royal Ascot 2025, Ascot Racecourse

Style takes the reins: Racegoers dazzle on day one at Ascot

.

When is the Tour de France 2025 and how to watch

Phoenix Spencer-Horn

Killer admits murdering girlfriend before decapitating and trying to dismember her in sick cover-up attempt

Police have cordoned off Millbank Lane, Thornaby, after kids found bullets in the ground.

Police launch probe after children find 'bag of bullets' and firearm magazine while playing in field