Commenting on figures published by the government today on the number of children attending school in the first weeks back after lockdown, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said:

“It’s great to see that so many young people are back in the classroom, with their teachers and with their friends. School leaders and their teams worked incredibly hard over the summer to get ready for the new term. Despite the government’s U-turns and last minute changes, schools have stuck to their task and their efforts have clearly given confidence to parents and families.

"But we should not take anything for granted. Problems accessing tests for those staff and families displaying covid symptoms is causing chaos for schools right now and could jeopardise attendance remaining high."

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