One month in: Supporting vulnerable students this term and beyond

Earlier this month, schools re-opened for all pupils following a Covid-19 lockdown that left many young people out of the classroom for more than five months.

There are already reasons to be optimistic. Official Department for Education (DfE) data showed that on September 17, 87 per cent of state school pupils attended school, while 99.9 per cent of state schools were open. Around 94 per cent of schools were fully open, meaning they delivered face-to-face teaching for all pupils on roll.

Schools interviewed by SecEd were also positive about the response from parents, staff and children so far. Paul Haigh, headteacher of King Ecgbert School in Sheffield, said: “The children have slotted in really naturally like they were never away. Staff and students have adapted to the considerable changes very quickly and without complaint – everyone is pulling together to make it work.”