EALING Central and Acton MP Rupa Huq pressed Education Secretary Gavin Williamson to compensate schools that have struggled with COVID-19.
Her plea came amid reports that at least 80 per cent of schools in Ealing have had confirmed cases.
Ms Huq argued in the Commons that school finances had been hit by staff absences and renovations to accommodate social distancing.
She also called for staff to be further up the priority list for vaccinations.
Mr Williamson said the Government had already set out details to support schools during the pandemic.
Sarah Raffray, head teacher of St Augustine’s Priory in Ealing, said: “The significant challenges in schools are the huge financial and emotional costs we are bearing.”
She cited as examples enhanced cleaning and the hiring of supply teachers. “The growing challenge is the emerging mental health disaster for young people,” she added. “The knock-on for social care must be equally vast.
“All heads yearn to have children in school, and every time we have to send a group home our hearts break.”
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