WIRRAL West MP Margaret Greenwood is urging constituents to get involved in a consultation asking for views on how the education system should look after the coronavirus pandemic.

The Shadow Schools Minister has highlighted the need for immediate measures to be taken by the government to support pupils and teachers during this unprecedented time, while also calling for people to contribute their views on how our education system can be rebuilt in a way that works for everyone.

The consultation asks five questions:

  • What lessons should be learned from, and changes made to, our education system after the crisis?
  • How can we ensure that our education institutions are rooted in, and accountable to, their local communities?
  • What other services, beyond education itself, are needed to ensure that vulnerable learners get the support they need?
  • How can our education system support those who are particularly affected by economic disruption, including that caused by coronavirus, and the insecurity and inequality it has revealed?
  • What can we do to provide greater support to those who work in our education system?

The consultation can be accessed via https://tinyurl.com/ybjjrnzb.

People have until next Tuesday (June 30) to submit their views.

Margaret Greenwood said: "Our education system has had to respond to many challenges in the face of lockdown, whether that be in schools, colleges, adult education settings or universities.

"The Labour Party is keen to hear from people who have ideas about what can be learned from that experience and what needs to change after lockdown. We want to hear from as wide a range of people as possible - you don't need to be a member to get involved.

"Teachers, pupils and parents across Wirral are ideally placed to come up with suggestions that can make a real difference to the way in which schools work after lockdown.

"Adult learners will have experienced education in a very different way through online courses and will know what works when it comes to adult education online, and what they have missed from coming together in community settings.

"Those who would love to get involved in learning, but have not been able to since their school days, will have ideas about what would make a difference to them.

"Lifelong learning is immensely important and should be accessible to all.

"People will want improved educational opportunities for a range of reasons - whether that's for pleasure, personal development or to gain qualifications and improve job prospects.

"I would encourage anyone with ideas about what our education system needs after lockdown to get involved so that we can develop policies that will make a real difference."