Commenting on a summary of attendance in education settings in 25
November, published today, Kevin Courtney, Joint General
Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
"The autumn term was always going to be a challenge for schools
and colleges, as the coronavirus continued to circulate through
the community. The new variant threatens to undo the hard work
that teachers, support staff and their leaders have done to keep
education going. Today's attendance figures show that the
half-term fall in case rates was only temporary. Covid-related
absences are on the rise in both primary and secondary, and among
teachers and school staff. Around 1 in 40 pupils were absent on
25 November, up from 1 in 60 two weeks prior.
" must for once be willing to
learn lessons from Scotland where the evidence is now clear that
more stringent guidance can make a big difference in keeping case
rates down in schools. In Scotland masks are required in
secondary classrooms, as is the isolation of very close contacts
until a negative PCR. The NEU supports both strategies.
Vaccinations are significantly higher, too, with 55% having
received a jab in Scotland compared to 41% in England. As a
result of these efforts, the infection rate in Scotland among
under-15s is falling, whereas in England it has been steadily
rising since the return to school after half term. Wales has now
also adopted masks in secondary classrooms.
"Throughout the pandemic the union has been on the side of what
keeps schools safe and open. It is clear that vaccines,
ventilation and vigilance remain the essential tools with which
we will get through the winter. You keep children in school by
reducing the rates of Covid in schools, rates which have a highly
consequential impact on families and the wider community. The
speeding up of vaccinations and boosters will certainly help, but
it is clear that stronger school guidance will make an even
bigger difference in keeping case rates down. We call on the
Prime Minister to follow the examples of Scotland and
Wales."
