Commenting on the latest government release of school attendance data, which shows a further drop in attendance following several weeks of declining numbers of pupils in schools, as well as a small increase in pupils absent due to self-isolation due to contact with a potential case of coronavirus inside the school, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“As these numbers show, it is still far too soon to be complacent about lifting Covid restrictions or relaxing safety measures in schools.

“There is growing concern about the spread of the Indian variant in schools. The government must make the data they hold on this public without further delay. Schools need transparency about the levels of infection around the country so they can make sure they have the right measures in place for their local area.

“The government must be proactive to ensure that transmission in schools, particularly in relation to the new variant, is not allowed to proceed unchecked.”

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