Good evening

Monday will once again be something of a milestone for the country.

Even those of us who do not have children of school age will be watching carefully to see how the first day back in the classroom goes for thousands of youngsters who have been learning from home.

There will always be a small risk for society associated with this in that any social contact can mean that infection rates go up.

But how much more risk is there associated with an entire generation of children not fulfilling their potential because they missed so much formal schooling.

And that is just part of what all these young people have lost in the past 12 months.

School is where children learn social as well as education skills. It is where they make friends - sometimes for life - and where they learn that they are good at sport/art or baking.

School is the best and safest place for young people to be. It is where they learn and thrive. A great education is every child’s right and it will be great to see them back where they belong.

Until next time, stay safe,

Gillian

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