Schools across the North East started the new term positively, with good attendance and students who are happy and keen to learn. School leaders have, so far, been able to maintain the confidence of students, parents and staff, however this is being threatened by extensive issues with the system for testing. Earlier this week Schools North East wrote to the Education Secretary asking him to take action to prevent schools from reaching a crisis point due to staff absences caused by the testing system. Schools North East has joined forces with national Head Teacher group WorthLess? in calling the Government to take action, which was also swiftly followed by other organisations across the sector. Read the original letter from WorthLess? here.
Schools North East’s letter was based on feedback from schools on the serious issues faced around testing and staff absence, with delays in testing causing unnecessary absences, which are affecting school operations. Staff who have required tests have faced a lack of available tests locally, with some being sent as far as York and Scotland, which are unfeasible distances to travel. Those seeking a postal test can be waiting up to a week for results. The allocation of 10 test kits for use in exceptional circumstances is not helpful for large settings and the provision would need to be significantly higher and based on school size to be of use.
These absences are causing significant further strain on schools, with difficulty arranging cover due to the formation of set ‘bubbles’ and cost and risks associated with bringing in supply staff who have potentially been in other schools. Our schools have worked incredibly hard to ensure a safe return for students and staff despite constantly changing and even contradictory guidance, however these issues are threatening the ability of our schools to remain open to all students. If this situation continues schools may be pushed to the point of cancelling classes and even closures.
You can read the full statement sent to the Secretary of State for Education, North East MPs and the press here.
Alongside our letter to the Education Secretary, Schools North East sent out a survey to schools to gain further insight on these issues and how the situation should be resolved. We had a resounding response with schools responding from all phases and areas of the region.
A large majority of schools – almost 80% have not been able to access effective testing, citing delays and no local availability, with staff and students alike struggling to get tests.
More than 75% of school leaders responding had suffered staffing shortages as a result of coronavirus and many expressed concern that staff capacity will only grow worse further into term as it becomes more likely that staff and students will develop colds with covid-like symptoms. Some had already resorted to using supply staff, while others were worried that absences were putting further strain on staff still in school. There was a consensus among the majority of respondents that the situation is unsustainable, and that even where cover can be provided and arranged, it is causing further disruption for students at a time when they most need stability and consistency.
One key way to resolve the issue would be to have tests administered to staff in schools. Again almost 80% were in favour of this. Even amongst the less than 10% who disagreed, most felt strongly that they needed access to regular testing but that it would place further burden on schools to have this responsibility internally, and that priority for school staff as key workers would be preferable.
It is overwhelmingly clear that action needs to be taken to avoid further school closures and ensure that schools are prioritised when it comes to testing. Alongside the call from Schools North East, other groups and organisations including WorthLess?, ASCL, NGA and NAHT have also called for the Government to take action. Furthermore NASWUT has suggested that legal action can be taken on the issue. The further local restrictions which have now come into force exacerbate the issue, with school leaders expressing their concern that the inability to access childcare provided by family members will result in even further staff absence.
Schools North East will continue to work to represent your views to policymakers on this issue alongside other major concerns including next year’s exams and Ofsted. If you haven’t yet contributed to our survey, please click here to do so.
