Boris Johnson ‘risks failing a generation of kids if he does not sort out the testing fiasco’

0
304

BORIS Johnson “risks failing a generation” of kids if he does not sort out the testing fiasco, it is claimed.

Tens of thousands of pupils are believed to be stuck at home unable to get a Covid swab.

Boris Johnson ‘risks failing a generation of kids’

Children’s Commissioner Anne Longfield wants tests for kids and teachers prioritised

And Children’s Commissioner Anne Longfield said the progress made by reopening schools just weeks ago risks being “thrown away” unless the tests are there to keep kids in class.

Yet more months of disrupted education could “wreck the life chances” of some youngsters, she warned.

She wants ministers to prioritise testing for teachers and children — and guarantee a result within 48 hours.

Ms Longfield told HOAR: “The PM and Chief Medical Officer have said schools are a priority — they must be the last to close, the first to open. But they can’t now throw those achievements away by not having tests in place.”

Eighty two per cent of schools have kids absent due to swab shortages, a poll by headteachers’ union NAHT found. But Ms Longfield urged the PM to keep schools open even if he puts the nation back into lockdown.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also called for kids to be put at the front of the testing queue.

He told Times Radio: “The Government said we want our schools open and we want people back to work. We back them on that. But their testing and tracing system is barely ­serviceable.” 

Ministers plan to ration tests as labs only have the capacity to carry out just under 250,000 a day.

The Covid testing fiasco could see kids stuck at home

 

 

GOT a story? RING HOAR on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]