Commenting on reports that 12-15 year olds could soon be offered Covid vaccinations, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“Whether to vaccinate younger children is a decision for medical professionals to take. Schools should not carry any responsibility for vaccination promotion, enforcement or policing.

“The number of cases of Covid in schools is predicted to remain high, so disruption and missed education looks set to continue unless more action is taken to prevent transmission in schools.

“As ever, the government needs to be clear about the rationale and scientific evidence that underpins whatever decision they make, in order to reassure families that they are taking the right course.”