Precarious finances and worrying disparities point to poor stewardship of England’s schools through the pandemic
Can schools in England be said to be recovering – or starting to recover – from the impact of the pandemic? Disruption and absence due to Covid have reduced, and plans for this summer’s exams are in place, with some requirements reduced to take account of missed lessons. But the current attendance rate of about 90% at secondary schools is below the 95% which has long been Ofsted’s benchmark.
There is no formal record of the number of children being home-schooled in England. Last week the country’s children’s commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, called for improved data. Ministers have announced plans for a compulsory register of those being taught at home, but not when this would be set up. Without school lessons, children will suffer by missing out on the curriculum to which they are entitled. The pandemic has taken a toll on mental as well as physical health, and there are concerns that schools are not equipped to provide the support that pupils are seeking.
