'The idea the Williamson thought teachers lazy during Covid is disgusting'

02 March 2023 , 18:30

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Group of children with face masks back at school (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Reading the leaked texts between Matt Hancock and Gavin Williamson was a shock.

Not just because of the contempt they openly display towards teachers and the teaching profession, but because it brought back all the memories of that time of the pandemic and how incredibly hard it really was for everyone in schools.

Far from looking for ways to work less, teachers, school leaders and every member of school staff were putting in incredible hours and effort to keep things going and to do their bit.

In my 30-year teaching career I have never seen staff work so hard as they did then.

It was not just hard work, it was incredibly stressful and emotionally draining – as that time was for everyone.

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The pandemic was a totally unknown quantity and people were scared. We had no idea how it would change things and how long it would last.

Dr Paul Gosling, NAHT President and head teacher of Exeter Road Community Primary School in Exmouth, Devon

Dr Paul Gosling