Two Thirds Of Primary Schools Seeing More Students Than In Previous Lockdown

Two-thirds of primary schools in East Sussex have more pupils attending during the current lockdown compared to the last - according to the National Education Union.

The figures come from a survey by the NEU, which was answered by more than 3,500 of its members in schools across the county.

Members in 153 different schools in East Sussex responded, with 66% of schools showing an increase, and just 6% showing a reduction in lockdown pupil numbers.

Phil Clarke Joint Secretary of the NEU in East Sussex commented:

“It is a major concern to have two thirds of schools with more pupils than in the previous lockdown.

"We have to remember we are now dealing with a more infectious strain of the virus and more pressure on our local hospitals at any point in the pandemic so far. What other workplaces in our communities aside from our hospitals have, as we do in some cases, 300 people in one building together?  

"We are very worried the most recent announcements from the government will see numbers in school climb even higher. 

"Schools urgently need support from the government. Pupils need to be provided with laptops and non-keyworker parents need to be able to access proper financial support so they are not choosing between keeping children home and putting food on the table."

The survey also highlights the risks being taken by school staff with a third of those responding who are more vulnerable themselves or live with those who are more vulnerable still being required to attend school, often with little social distancing possible.  

According to NEU's survey, 30% of school staff respondents reported not being allowed to work from home - even when this would be possible to carry out duties.