As pupils face yet more lost learning, ministers must take responsibility for the chaos
The hope was that schools could stagger on for another few weeks, sending groups of children home when positive Covid tests were reported, but otherwise carrying on with their best imitation of normal, with September expected to bring an end to compulsory quarantine when a member of the same bubble tests positive. But three weeks before the holidays in most English schools, chaos has once again broken out. Cases are rising, as are closures, with official figures showing one child in 20 was out of school within the last week. Areas including the north-west are disproportionately affected, leading to serious disruption.
Once again, children are losing out. Pupils have already missed out on significant chunks of education and many simply cannot afford to miss any more. End-of-year events are also a hugely important part of the school year. They include exams, sports days and concerts, as well as graduations and other rituals. This matters.
