The Education Policy Institute (EPI) has published an article containing policy recommendations for government aimed at preventing the disadvantage gap from increasing during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Their proposals include doubling Pupil Premium funding for one year, from September 2020, for pupils entering Year 1, Year 7 and Year 11, allowing schools to make their own, evidence-based judgements about how best to use this extra funding for disadvantaged pupils, suspending Ofsted inspections of schools until at least January 2021, supporting colleges and other 16-19 providers with an “Education for Recovery” package and the expansion of support for vital out of school services such early intervention, mental health, children’s social services and youth services. Sector response to the EPI’s policy report can be read here.
