Rutland MP Alicia Kearns has welcomed a package of support for schools as they re-open to all pupils on March 8.

Yesterday, the Government e announced a new £700m fund for schools to help children to catch up on lost learning while they have been closed.

This will be accompanied by two rapid tests every week, to be taken at home.

Since the start of term 4 million tests have been done in schools and weekly testing of pupils and staff is helping to keep everyone safe.

All staff at private, voluntary and independent nurseries will have access to tests to use twice weekly at home, building on the testing already available to maintained nursery schools and school-based nurseries.

Childminders can continue to access community testing, and the Department continues to work with colleagues across government to review the testing approach available for childminders.

Alicia Kearns MP said: "Our children are our future. I want every child in Rutland and Melton to be equipped to deal with the world that emerges as we recover from COVID-19.

"For our children to succeed, they need to return to school, and schools will re-open for all pupils on 8th March. I want to thank all teachers and support staff in advance for the work they have done, and will continue to do."

The MP continued: "The Government has pledged £700m to support the expansion of one-to-one tuition and small groups to catch children up. I welcome this package.

"From remote learning to catching children up, we have a mountain to climb. But I know our brilliant teachers will be prepared for this, and will do all they can to give our children the opportunity to create the future they deserve."