6.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: July 2022 6.2 The department is increasing access to high-quality tuition based on evidence that shows tuition can boost catch up learning by up to five months. 6.3 The National Tutoring Programme (NTP), will continue in academic year 2021-22 with an increased reach, to provide additional, targeted tuition for pupils who have been hardest hit from disruption to their education. 6.4 In academic year 2020-21 the department monitored regional spread to ensure there is good provision across England. There is extensive communications and engagement with schools to ensure that as many as possible sign up for the programme. The department continuously monitors take up and engagement amongst schools to consider where it may need to boost demand. In regions with lower take-up it increased engagement via target Local Authorities and Multi-Academy Trusts. 6.5 For 2021-22, the provider has operational targets to ensure minimum reach and focus on areas of low reach and attainment. The department will closely monitor performance against targets under the terms of the contract 6.6 Quality of tuition remains at the very core of NTP for 2021-22. The provider is responsible for appointing Tuition Partners and Academic Mentors according to rigorous quality criteria. The department will hold the provider to account for maintaining the quality of the tutoring through regular reporting and monitoring. In addition, evaluations are being conducted for both year 1 and year 2 of the NTP. The department will have results before the end of the programme.