Marcus Rashford effect reveals wider school failings – The Yorkshire Post says

Though some, like Shipley MP Philip Davies, are in denial about the Marcus Rashford effect, the Manchester United and England striker is proving to be a political and social force for change like no other in modern times.

But it also requires a complete overhaul of the Government’s wider strategy towards schools as the human, social and economic costs of Covid-19 escalate as Education Secretary Gavin Williamson’s culpability, and poor communication, becomes even more stark.

Not only did he ignore warnings about this summer’s exams fiasco, and that algorithm used to determine results, but another algorithm appears to be having serious consequences over the distribution of laptops to children who don’t have computer access at home if forced to self-isolate.

A laudable initiative, the headteacher of Parklands Primary School in Seacroft, Leeds, only discovered on Friday night, as the half-term break was beginning, that his allocation was being cut from 61 to 13 machines.

The DfE said, in response, its allocation process had been updated. But, once again, it appears to be another kick in the teeth for disadvantaged children that could have been avoided if Ministers and officials thought through the consequences of their actions and treated teachers with some courtesy. Put simply, what will it take for Mr Williamson and others to learn these lessons?

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you’ll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. Click here to subscribe.