Government-endorsed guidance for how schools can help pupils catch up on lost learning has just been released, and its recommendations include using teachers or trained tutors in summer schools.

The guidance produced by the Education Endowment Foundation, which created the government’s separate National Tutoring Programme (NTP) in partnership with The Sutton Trust, recommends heads consider using the extra funding on the following options to ensure pupils catch up:

Use teachers in summer schools

“For summer programmes to improve educational outcomes, they need to include high-quality academic support, such as small group tuition delivered by teachers or trained tutors,” the guidance says. 

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It says that summer schools could also focus on wellbeing and confidence, but adds that schools will need to assess barriers to attendance for disadvantaged pupils.

Extend the school day

“In some cases, schools may consider extending the length of the school day; for example, to provide additional academic or pastoral support to particular pupils after school,” the guidance says.

It says some evidence suggests a longer school day can have a small positive impact on learning and other outcomes.

More tech for pupils

The report notes that “lack of access to technology has been a barrier for many disadvantaged children” and says schools could facilitate access to online tuition.

“Some schools might find it helpful to invest in additional technology, either by providing pupils with devices or improving the facilities available in school,” it says.

Other advice suggested is:

• Professional development to support planning for teachers.
• Standardised tests or subject-specific assessments to check what areas pupils need help with most.
• Online or face-to-face transition support to help pupils prepare for going back to school.
• One-to-one or small group tuition.
• Intervention programmes on literacy, numeracy or other aspects of learning such as behaviour].
• Providing additional books and resources to families over the summer.