00:00Ladies and gentlemen, while recent times have been incredibly difficult for us all,
00:07I can only begin to imagine how challenging it has been for young people and families to adapt.
00:14In particular, I'm thinking of those families who simply do not have the resources,
00:19such as online devices or even the internet, that are needed for effective homeschooling.
00:25Parents have done an astonishing job in such trying circumstances and to see teachers
00:32and schools going above and beyond for their pupils in response to this pandemic has been
00:38in many instances quite remarkable. From finding creative ways to teach lessons remotely and even
00:46making sure the most vulnerable children do not go without meals, we all owe them a huge debt of
00:51gratitude. For many years now, I have been extremely proud to be the patron of the education charity
00:59Teach First, which recruits and trains some of the brightest graduates as energetic and committed
01:05teachers and leaders to work in the country's poorest areas. Their work to support schools to
01:13build a fair education for all, which also produces enhanced results, is more important now than ever.
01:20However, it will be all the more vital in the recovery ahead.
01:26As our schools begin to open again and the first students return to the classroom,
01:32their job will present further challenges, helping children to get back on track with learning
01:38and supporting them to come to terms with all they have been through. Above all, and in these circumstances,
01:46I just wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone in Teach First for all they are doing to
01:54support the schools, teachers and pupils most affected by this pandemic. This work, transforming the futures
02:04of so many young people, could hardly be more important since teachers will surely be at the heart of the
02:12of the nation's recovery.
02:13So, let's see.
02:133.
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