Commenting on the latest school attendance figures from the DfE which have fallen compared to the previous week, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“The drop in attendance this week shows that many children continue to have their education disturbed by the pandemic. Schools are working hard to deliver complex safety arrangements whilst also providing a settled learning environment for pupils. But schools cannot do this alone. As society begins to look to lessen restrictions we must take care not to move too quickly and risk the progress made.

“No one wants to see pupils or staff wearing face masks for longer than is necessary. But the government should not rush into changing this policy without careful consideration of all the scientific evidence surrounding the wearing of face coverings in schools. Clearly, the safety and wellbeing of all members of school communities and their families should remain our primary concern. Schools are grateful to parents and carers for continuing to encourage children to observe current safety measures.

“Schools will also need continuing support from government. The government needs to remember that there is still nothing ‘routine’ about this safety activity. It requires a great deal of additional effort and expense that is yet to be repaid to schools in full. As we look towards the recovery agenda in education children will need a level of investment not yet witnessed.”

Press and Media contacts:

Steven George
NAHT Head of Press and Media
01444 472886
07970 907730

Rose Tremlett 
Senior Press Officer 
07545 354363

Email : press.office@naht.org.uk