The Education Secretary has commented on attendance
statistics covering up to Thursday 4 March.
Education Secretary
said:
“Yesterday, it was lovely to see the happy scenes as all pupils
and teachers returned to schools and colleges across the country.
Early indications are that approximately 99% of state-funded
schools are open – with pupils returning to the classroom as
planned.
“Being back in the classroom has huge benefits to pupils’
wellbeing, as well as their education. I am hugely grateful to
schools and colleges for all the planning and preparation to make
sure all students are able to return safely to the classroom.”
Further information:
- Strengthened protective measures include the wearing of face
coverings by all students and adults in secondary schools and
colleges wherever social distancing cannot be maintained.
- All secondary and college students, all staff, and family
members of students are all eligible for twice-weekly rapid
asymptomatic testing.
On devices, if asked:
- Over 1.25 million devices have been delivered to the most
disadvantaged pupils as part of £400m of investment, which,
crucially, will benefit schools for years to come
- The department worked at pace amid unprecedented global
demand to provide these devices to schools and local authorities,
which crucially enabled pupils to be educated from home while
schools are closed for the majority of pupils
- This came on top of the 2.9 million devices already in the
school system
