Eight out of10teachers say pupil numbers in class “increased greatly”compared withthe first lockdown, a snap poll by the Chartered College of Teaching has revealed.
This situation could riskthe effectiveness of school closures and is “further proof that the current situation is unsustainable and unsafe”,Chartered College chief executiveDame Alison Peacock said.
A further 15per cent reported that numbers increased slightly, meaning that the vast majority (95 per cent) of teachers have seen more pupils coming to school compared withthe first lockdown, despite the current restrictions and rising infection levels.
Department for Education (DfE) data showed that onein seven state-school pupils were in attendance on 11 January.
Data:A fifth of primary pupils at school during lockdown
Coronavirus:Warning rapid test plan could increase Covid in schools
News:Schools may not fully reopen after half term, warns PM
“Every day, I hear from members that large numbers of students are still arriving at the school gates, risking the effectiveness of school closures and adding further pressure on staff,”said Dame Alison.
“This is further proof that the current situation is completely unsustainable and unsafe. We are only two weeks into the new year and our teachers are already struggling with stress and anxiety having to balance demands.
“At the same time, the insinuation that Ofsted will be used as ‘enforcers’ of remote learning, following parent complaints, will only make a difficult situation even worse.
“Our teachers are showing great dedication, professionalism and leadership. Our communities need to work with us to support young people and keep everyone safe. We need to show trust in our teachers, they know what they are doing.”
Less than 1 per cent of the 400 teachers polled said that pupil numbers have decreased, while 3.4 per cent said they had stayed the same.
The poll was carried out on 8 January.
