First Day Back at School Has ‘Gone Well’, Say Headteachers

The first day back at school for millions of children in England had gone week, say headteachers.

Reports that are floating around include high levels of take-up of Covid 19 tests and adherence to new rules that spelled wearing masks in secondary school classrooms. Secondary schools were still phasing a return to give enough time for Covid tests while primary schools have witnessed full opening.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson expresses his thoughts, he said it’s 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 students studied at home for two months but finally returned to the classroom, and an instant survey from the ASCL head teachers’ union explains that the attendance level is “good” and Covid testing is on the run as scheduled.

The snapshot of more than 700 secondary schools found take-up of Covid tests as being between 90% to 100% in more than half of schools, between 80% and 90% in a quarter. But in about one in 20 schools, take-up for testing was below 60% of pupils.

The Covid tests, with swabs of nose and throat, are voluntary – and there had been warnings that getting parental consent posed the biggest threat though the organization involves has been dealing with it.

Secondary pupils will have to undergo three Covid tests in school.

Secondary pupils are requested to run three Covid 19 tests in school before changing to being tested twice a week at home.

Headteachers also reported that in nearly three-quarters of secondary schools, 90% of pupils were religious with wearing face masks in classrooms, where social distancing is not possible.

“These early indications are very encouraging,” said ASCL leader Geoff Barton.

Although “strongly recommended” by the government, pupils don’t need to wear masks.

Children’s Minister Vicky Ford said some students might be “very anxious and nervous” about them.

The first day at school in England has been successful and positive.