The first day back at school for millions of children in England has “gone well”, say head teachers.
They are reporting high levels of take-up of Covid tests and compliance with new rules on wearing masks in secondary school classrooms.
Primary schools have opened in full, but most secondary schools are phasing a return to allow time for Covid tests.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson described it as a “big day and an emotional day” for families.
At a Downing Street press conference he thanked parents for teaching their children at home: “We all know that the burden has disproportionately fallen on women – often holding down jobs and providing childcare at the same time.”
The latest coronavirus figures for the UK show:
- A decline in the number testing positive, with a daily figure of 4,712, and over the past seven days 41,225 – down by 26%
- For deaths within 28 days of a positive test, the daily figure is 65 and 1,441 in the past seven days – down by 34%
- There were 688 patients admitted to hospital, 5,416 over the past seven days – down by 30%
- 22,377,255 people have been vaccinated with a first dose.
After more than two months of studying at home, pupils have gone back to the classroom – and an instant survey from the ASCL head teachers’ union suggests attendance levels are “good” and Covid testing is going ahead as planned.
Source – BBC News