NEU comments on latest pupil and school staff attendance data

Commenting on the latest school attendance data published today by Government, Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:  

“The new figures show the number of pupils absent due to Covid rose yet again, even though a number of local authorities were on half-term. Staff absence rates due to Covid also rose further.

'As we enter the winter months, Government in England must adopt measures currently in place in Scotland on improved vaccination rates for the over-12s; masks in secondary schools; investments in ventilation; isolation of close contacts and increased LFT testing.

'Failure to act risks repeating the errors the Government made in November last year, which resulted in the virus spreading uncontrolled through schools and the wider population, culminating in the preventable disasters of December and January.”