Schools across England anticipate a significant number of pupils and teaching staff will not return to the classroom this week despite the easing of coronavirus lockdown measures, a report suggests.

Schools across England anticipate a significant number of pupils and teaching staff will not return to the classroom this week despite the easing of coronavirus lockdown measures, a report suggests.
More than a quarter, 29%, of available teachers will only be able to work from home, according to the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) study, prompting fears that shortages will affect schools’ ability to provide the same level of teaching quality.
Primary schools in England have been told to reopen to pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 from this week, with nurseries also expected to resume sessions.
It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Thursday that the government’s five key tests required for the easing of the lockdown had been met, meaning schools can admit more pupils this week.
But the NFER report, based on a survey of more than 1,200 senior leaders in schools in England, suggests that heads are expecting nearly half, 46%, of families to keep their children at home.
The study finds that school leaders with the highest proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals estimate that more of their families, 50%, will keep pupils at home, compared with an average estimate of 42% from school leaders with the lowest proportion of free-meal pupils.
It raises concerns that pupils in most need of education “will be least likely to receive it”, the report says.
A separate poll of parents, carried out by the Early Years Alliance (EYA), has also found that only 45% of parents whose childcare providers are opening from Monday are planning to take up their place.
Schools, colleges and nurseries across the UK closed 10 weeks ago due to the Covid-19 outbreak, with classes offered only for vulnerable youngsters and the children of key workers.
The report suggests that the impact of the pandemic on disadvantaged pupils dates back to the period before lockdown, as leaders reported a “significant drop” in their attendance before schools closed.
School leaders in the west Midlands (82%), London (82%) and the North West (79%) were also most likely to report some impact from Covid-19 on schools – such as staff availability and pupil attendance – prior to full closures in March.
Ministers have come under pressure from education unions and council leaders, who have urged the Government to reconsider its plans to open schools more widely from 1 June amid safety concerns.
Findings from a recent PA news agency survey of local authorities show that more than 20 councils across England – predominantly in the north of England – are advising schools not to open to more pupils this week, with some citing fears that the NHS Test and Trace system will not be “robust enough” to help.
Carole Willis, chief executive of NFER, said their report suggests there is “large variation” between different types of schools across the country, with each experiencing their own challenges in opening to more pupils.
She said: “Government guidance needs to be tailored and responsive, allowing flexibility for school leaders to use their professional judgment.