Covid catch-up program unveiled for Bedford schoolchildren Bedford News

Two charities have joined forces to launch a Covid catch-up program for disadvantaged students which could be a model for other parts of the UK.

Bedfordshire charities, the Harpur Trust and the Connolly Foundation, are working with the University of Bedfordshire to help student teachers organize remedial sessions in schools during the summer session.

Harpur Trust CEO David Steadman said: “As many schools struggle to find enough tutors with the right skills to help students catch up, this groundbreaking initiative is calling on a new workforce. work – student teachers.

“Disadvantaged children receive in-person help when and where they need it, and student teachers gain valuable paid classroom experience to jump-start their careers. Uni where support is insufficient could use this model to help more local children quickly.

Nigel Croft, Trustee of the Connolly Foundation, said: “We are committed to ensuring that students hardest hit by the pandemic receive as much support as possible to enable them to catch up with their learning and have the best potential chances. “

David added: “Our program is not a generic tutoring program and therefore will allow schools to really take ownership of what students learn, how and when.

“We wanted our program to be as personalized as possible and we worked hard to match students with schools to ensure the best fit.

“Our program is completely free for schools and we hope it will add extra support where it’s needed most.”

Kelli Foster, Principal of Mark Rutherford High School, said: “The pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption in the education of young people. This program will allow us to support our students who need to catch up academically after two periods of distance learning during the last calendar year.

“We feel very fortunate to have been appointed as a trainee professor at the University of Bedfordshire. The strong partnership we have with the Harpur Trust and the Connolly Foundation, as well as our links with the university, will ensure that we are supporting our students. most affected since being away from the classroom. ”

Twenty-four trainee teachers provide remedial sessions that have already started.