Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “Schools will be doing everything possible to keep pupils safe, adapting day to day arrangements in order to remain COVID secure. As NAHT’s research has shown, schools have already spent tens of thousands of pounds on deep cleaning, hygiene and distancing measures. The Chancellor should have taken the opportunity today to provide additional financial support for these measures as more pupils return to the classroom.

“The vast majority of schools have little or no unallocated reserves to pay for additional safety measures. Schools will not cut corners on safety. Consequently, with no other choice, many will be forced to use funds previously allocated for teaching and learning activity. At a time when we need every penny available to be spent directly on supporting young people affected by the crisis, this cannot be right.”

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