Nearly half of schools report lower pupil attendance than expected this term

According to new data from the union, the NAHT

School leaders in England are experiencing “a high level of disruption” with nearly half reporting that pupil attendance this term is lower than expected in a usual year, a survey suggests.

Heads are concerned that self-isolation rules are “actively contributing” to the spread of Covid-19 in schools, and risk more children missing out on school in the long run, according to school leaders’ union NAHT.

More than one in four say they have already exceeded Covid-19 case thresholds set by the Government, and on average respondents say they have had three members of staff absent due to Covid-19 this term.

A poll by NAHT of more than 1,100 school leaders in September suggests 78% lack confidence in the Government’s Covid-19 guidance for schools.

Current guidance says that if a certain threshold of Covid-19 cases is reached, schools should consider “taking extra action” and seek public health advice if they are concerned.

The first threshold is if five pupils or staff who are likely to have mixed closely test positive for Covid-19 within a 10-day period, or if 10% of pupils or staff who have mixed closely test positive within 10 days.

The survey found that 26% of school leaders have already met one of these thresholds this term.

Published: 05/10/2021 by Radio NewsHub