PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Higher Education (6 December 2021)

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to support universities to provide an adequate level of in person teaching for students studying (a) medicine, (b) dentistry and (c) nursing.

Asked by:
Sarah Green (Liberal Democrat)

The government recognises the importance of not disrupting education and is prioritising keeping settings open under Plan B. We therefore expect education settings to remain open for face-to-face teaching as planned. Teaching and learning should not be moved online as a result of the work from home guidance and staff can continue to attend work as necessary to deliver this. This is outlined here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-education-reopening-buildings-and-campuses.

We know that, in response to COVID-19, HE providers delivered new and innovative approaches to teaching and learning, and some providers have continued to use some of these approaches alongside in-person provision. Where blended learning is used, it should enhance students’ academic experience and we expect all universities to continue to deliver excellent learning, in line with guidance from the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS will continue to monitor the situation to ensure this, and HE providers should be open about what students can expect. If students have concerns, they should first raise them with their HE provider. If their concerns remain unresolved, students at HE providers in England or Wales can ask the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA) to consider their complaint.

Answered by:
Michelle Donelan (Conservative)
9 December 2021