Commenting on the latest statistics published by the Department
for Education on school attendance and closures to 24 September,
Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National
Education Union, said:
“With such a rapid drop in the number of fully open secondary
schools in the space of just two weeks, it is clear the
Government's grip on the situation is now in question. It is
doubtful the urgency of the situation has yet dawned on either
or , who must
now ensure that schools are colleges are equipped to deal swiftly
and effectively with any outbreaks that occur on their premises.
“This does not just begin and end with testing, although that
situation is parlous enough. We need to see the drafting in of
retired, supply and newly qualified teachers to get class sizes
down. ‘Nightingale classes’ will be necessary to expand school
space – we have been calling for that since June. We also need
proper funding support to schools, so that they can remain
Covid-secure.
“The Government’s inability to provide what schools need to
ensure they remain open for as long as possible is unacceptable
and will affect not only children's education, but the wellbeing
of staff and students.
"Some of the current partial closures will affect exam classes in
years 11 and 13. It is time for the Government to set out a Plan
B for this year's GCSE and A-Level students, not just so that it
can be scrutinised but so that the public has some assurance that
the Prime Minister and Secretary of State have any sense of
direction at all.”
