Commenting as the government announces the removal of ‘bubbles’ in schools, Nick Brook, deputy general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“No school leader wants to have restrictions in place any longer than are needed, but there will be a sense of real concern amongst many that the worsening situation they see before their eyes is at odds with the government’s narrative of relaxation and return to normality. Schools have seen a near doubling of children contracting COVID-19, with 28,000 confirmed cases reported in the last week alone. School leaders and parents alike will want more reassurance than has been given so far that removal of restrictions are supported by scientific evidence, not driven by political convenience.

“It is certainly about time that NHS test and trace step forward to take responsibility from school leaders for contact tracing and managing outbreaks. However, it would be extremely concerning if government were to lurch from one extreme to the other, should there be no clear requirement on pupils that have come into very close contact with Covid to test and remain at home for that short period whilst awaiting results. We urge government to set out expectations and clarify how this will work in practice.

“The government must also now urgently consider what else it can be doing to protect school communities. In other parts of the world we are seeing action being taken on issues such as ventilation in classrooms – that is precisely the sort of thing that should be happening here too. Rather than trying to actually tackle the problem, there is a real risk that the government has simply stored up more for the term ahead. A failure to get to grip with Covid cases in schools not only increases the risk for those in the school community, including the most vulnerable, but it runs the risk of actually lead to further disruption in September. Whilst the government may be hoping for the best come Autumn, it must plan for the worst.

“From September, all schools have been told that they will need to have in place contingency plans, should there be a Covid outbreak amongst pupils, which could trigger reintroduction of restrictions on a school-by-school basis. By shifting responsibility to schools for development and implementation of continency arrangements, Government must not simply wash their hands of the problem. Going forward, it is essential that school leaders are given the full backing of government to do what is necessary to maintain education and keep pupils and the school community safe.”