Commenting on the school
attendance figures published today, Geoff Barton, General
Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:
“These figures show that the number of pupils in attendance has
fallen slightly compared to the same point in the week before,
while the number of schools that were not fully open due to
Covid-related reasons rose from 1% to 4%.
“Under the circumstances of rising infection rates in the
community, and severe problems with the Covid testing system,
that is not at all surprising. Frankly, it is a great relief that
the situation is not a lot worse.
“Schools are working incredibly hard to manage this very
difficult situation, and leaders tell us that there is often
little time left in the day for anything other than dealing with
symptomatic or positive cases, and navigating the complexities of
the public health system.
“This intensity will be hard to sustain over many weeks and
months and action is needed to better support schools.
“The Covid testing system hasn’t been adequate and capacity has
to improve so that tests can be obtained quickly. And, across
society, we have a responsibility individually to behave in a way
that reduces the risk of transmission and brings the infection
rate down.
“This will help to keep schools open and minimise disruption to
children’s education in what is clearly going to be a long, hard
winter. We all need to do our bit.”
