Downing Street has today not ruled out the possibility of retired teachers being called back to the profession to help schools cope with the
coronavirus crisis.

The prime minister’s official spokesperson said education secretary Gavin Williamson had promised to do “whatever we can” to help - in response to suggestions that ex-teachers could return and buildings could be requisitioned to form makeshift classrooms.

The spokesman said: “The education secretary has said that we will do whatever we can to make sure that no child falls behind as a result of coronavirus.

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“We have already committed over £100 million to support children to learn at home and pupil premium funding continues to be paid at the highest-ever rate to help schools to support disadvantaged pupils.

“We are working to bring all children back in September and are
considering what more is needed to support pupils.”

The spokesman added: “We have also said that we are looking at what further support we can provide over the summer.”