The past 12 months show clearly what is possible when the education system and wider community pull together with shared purpose. Our nationwide response to the essential closure of education settings and institutions during the initial outbreak of the coronavirus in the UK saw parents, childcare workers, teachers, lecturers, school leaders, industry, celebrities, civil servants and government unite behind the aim of helping educate our children during a time of crisis.
The nation’s collective and awe-inspiring effort has helped limit the longer-term impact of the pandemic on many children. Without these efforts, the damage and lost-learning to this COVID generation could have been even greater. The challenge is, of course, still significant and I welcome the government’s appointment of catch-up tsar Sir Kevan Collins, who will be leading a co-ordinated charge to help support children and learners over the coming period.
The government’s 2019 edtech strategy, masterminded by the then education secretary Damian Hinds, was underpinned by an understanding and commitment of the benefits edtech, when delivered effectively, brings to reducing teacher workload burdens, personalised learning approaches, assessment, system leadership and communication.