ASCL comment on latest school attendance statistics

Commenting on the latest school attendance statistics, Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

“These statistics show another increase in both pupil and staff absence as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. This is wreaking havoc in many schools because they have to juggle online and in-person learning for different groups of pupils at different times with fewer staff. It is an impossible situation.

“We hope that the half-term break will have helped to reduce transmission of the virus and reduce disruption but even if this is the case it is likely to be only temporary. The government must do more to rollout the vaccination programme for 12 to 15-year-olds, encourage home-testing among eligible pupils, and provide funding for air ventilation systems in schools and colleges.

“We have said this repeatedly and there has been some signs of improvement in the first two of these measures, but it is frustrating how sluggish the government has been in taking action.”