ASCL responds to Week 45 school attendance statistics

Commenting on the Week 45 attendance statistics for schools in England, Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

“We are hugely encouraged by the fact that the level of attendance in schools has remained stable despite the announcement of a new national lockdown.

“It is absolutely the right priority to keep schools open because of their critical importance not only in terms of education but also in the welfare of many children.

“It is good to see this early indication that the new lockdown does not appear to have spooked parents and that they continue to send their children.

“We very much hope that this continues.

“We are also pleased to see that the number of schools with one or more pupils self-isolating has fallen.

“However, the situation continues to be hugely challenging and schools need more support from the government.

“We are particularly concerned about the massive cost to schools and colleges of Covid safety measures and supply cover for staff who have to self-isolate.

“Their budgets cannot sustain this additional pressure and we once again call upon the government to act swiftly and reimburse these costs.”