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Why school closures are worse for poorer pupils

Nearly a billion children across the world were made to stay home as school closures were enacted internationally.

While for many that meant a change to virtual learning, home schooling and parental guidance, for other children it meant the loss of one hot meal a day or missing education entirely.

Experts have warned Newsnight that one of the major impacts of this could be a widening of the attainment gap between rich and poor.

But re-opening schools is not just important for the educational benefits, but it also enables parents to return to full time work.

What can be done to get schools running again? And what will happen to Generation Covid-19?

UK Editor Katie Razzall reports, and Emily is joined by former Education Secretary Justine Greening, Ofsted Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman, and headteacher of Michaela Community School Katharine Birbalsingh.

Release date:

Duration:

17 minutes