Covid-related pupil absences rise two thirds in fortnight

The government’s latest school attendance data shows a two thirds increase in pupils off with Covid or suspected Covid compared with two weeks ago.

The data published by the Department for Education estimates that 204,000 pupils, or 2.5 per cent of the pupil population, were absent for Covid-related reasons on September 30.

This is up from 122,000, or 1.5 per cent of pupils, on September 16 – a 67 per cent rise.

Recent data from union NAHT also shows that over a quarter of schools surveyed report that they have already exceeded government Covid thresholds.

Commenting, Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, said: “The latest data on case numbers among school-aged children should be ringing alarm bells for government. Put simply, we cannot allow Covid to rage unchecked in schools as it will only lead to more disruption to children’s education.

“Covid and Covid-related absence is still interrupting education for staff and students. We are hearing from members on a daily basis who are still experiencing a high level of disruption.

“Our members are particularly concerned about the current guidance relating to siblings and household contacts. At the moment, if a child tests positive for Covid, their siblings can continue to attend school, even if they share a bedroom, for example. Our members say this is actively contributing to the spread of Covid in schools.

“School leaders want the government to revisit its guidance, particularly when it comes to contact tracing and self-isolation. No one wants to see a child miss any time off school, but there is a real risk that the current policy is inadvertently leading to more children missing school in the long run.”