Labour responds to figures showing 415,000 children were off school due to Covid on 20 January while a quarter of schools had 15% of their teachers and leaders off work

Stephen Morgan MP Shadow Schools Minister, responding to figures showing 415,000 children were off school due to Covid on 20 January while a quarter of schools had 15% of their teachers and leaders off work, said:

“Children and school staff are living the day-to-day reality of covid, but this government still doesn’t have a plan to support them.

“Pupil absence is soaring, and it is particularly alarming that almost a quarter of schools now have more than 15% of school leaders and teachers absent. 

“Labour has been clear ventilation, vaccination and testing are key to keep schools moving and delivering Labour’s ambitious recovery plan to help every child thrive.

“The government must immediately publish complete figures on its volunteer teacher drive and get a proper workforce plan in place to support staff and students. Our children must not endure another wave of covid chaos because this government is distracted trying to covering up rule breaking at the heart of Downing Street.”

Ends

Notes to editors

• The latest attendance data can be found here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/attendance-in-education-and-early-years-settings-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/2022-week-4
• Labour’s Children’s Recovery Plan: https://labour.org.uk/childrens-recovery-plan/