Covid takes 122,000 children out of school

More than 122,000 children in England were out of school for Covid-19 related reasons last week, Government figures show.

About nine out of 10 pupils were in class on September 16, according to the first analysis of attendance figures since schools fully reopened this month.

The Department for Education (DfE) estimates 1.5% of all pupils – around 122,300 children – were not in school for Covid-19 related reasons on Thursday last week.

The figures include 59,300 pupils with a confirmed case of Covid-19, 44,600 with a suspected case and 15,900 absent due to isolation for other reasons.

Afurther2,000wereoffdue to attendance restrictions being in place to manage an outbreakand500didnotattendas a result of school closures due to Covid-related reasons.

Headteachers' unions have warned that educational disruption remains "significant".

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: "It is clear from the fact that over 120,000 pupils were absent from school last week that educational disruption remains significant. We are hearing of schools where significant numbers of pupils are absent.”

Education Secretary NadhimZahawisaid:"Mypriority

is to make sure children are in schoolandbacktoface-to-face learning. That's the best place for them to be, so it's fantastic to see more than 91% of them back in the classroom with their teachers and friends, compared to 87% this time last year.

"The roll-out of the vaccine to those aged 12-15 is another significant step in building the walls of protection from the virus across society."