Commenting as the Secretary of State for Education suggested in the House of Commons today that Covid safety restrictions in schools, including the requirement to self-isolate when pupils come in to contact with a suspected Covid case, could be removed from 19 July, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“No-one wants to see children’s education disrupted any more than it already has been, least of all school leaders. But the delta variant is currently having a very significant impact in schools and the rising numbers we are seeing is a real concern.

“As we move into September, everyone will want to see disruption to education minimised. However, scrapping self-isolation for close contacts would be a very significant step to take, and the onus would be on the government and public health advisors to explain how the alternative arrangements would work and, most importantly, how they will maintain the safety of all members of the school community.”