Fife Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson Councillor James Calder has reacted to the extension to schools being shut down until late August. He has warned we cannot risk letting any child be left behind.

Councillor Calder has said,

Overall I believe the Scottish Government has made the correct decision in not reopening schools yet. We have a duty of care to children, their families and staff and we have sacrificed too much so far to risk letting Covid19 start spreading in an uncontrolled way.

However we are at major risk of many children being left behind. I’m worried that the attainment gap where children from less well-off families are disadvantaged in the classroom can increase. However even more worryingly is children at risk of abuse, which would often be detected in schools.

Fife Council must take these into account. Teachers are doing a great job in ensuring home education continues but they must be given the support to ensure that any pupil at risk of being left behind does not lose out.

Finally there is a need for innovative ways to ensure that children who are being abused can be contacted and protected. It is a challenge but one we must find ways around. Working with the community and families is essential in this regard.