Coronavirus: Nearly half of pupils expected to stay at home when schools reopen

And more than a quarter of teachers will not be going into the classroom, survey finds

Many parents are expected to carry on homeschooling their children (EPA)

Schools across England expect high numbers of pupils and teachers will not return to the classroom this week, despite the easing of coronavirus lockdown measures, a report suggests.

More than a quarter (29 per cent) of available teachers will be working from home only, according to the National Foundation for Educational Research study, prompting fears that shortages will affect teaching standards.

Primary schools in England have been told to reopen to pupils in reception, year 1 and year 6 from this week, and nurseries are also expected to start up again.

But the report, based on a survey of more than 1,200 school leaders, suggests they are expecting nearly half (46 per cent) of families to keep their children at home.

Teachers may stay away without fear of repercussions if they believe it is not safe to return, ministers say.

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The independent Sage group of scientists has warned the government it is not safe to start reopening all schools this week.

Schools with the highest proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals believe half of families will keep pupils at home, compared with an average estimate of 42 per cent among schools with the lowest proportion of free-meal pupils.

A separate poll of parents, by the Early Years Alliance, has found that only 45 per cent of parents whose childcare providers are opening are planning to take up their place.

The report suggests that the impact of the pandemic on disadvantaged pupils dates back to before lockdown; schools reported a “significant drop” in their attendance then.

Education unions and council leaders have urged the government to reconsider its plans to open schools more widely because of safety concerns.

A recent survey of local authorities showed that more than 20 councils across England – predominantly in the north – are advising schools not to open to more pupils this week, some citing fears that the NHS track-and-trace system will not be “robust enough” to help.

The government says its decisions have been “based on the best scientific and medical advice, with the welfare of children and staff at the heart of all considerations”.

Education secretary Gavin Williamson said: “This marks the first step in getting all children and young people back into classrooms so they can be with their friends and teachers again, and I’m enormously grateful for all the planning and preparation the sector has done in the lead up to welcoming these first pupils back.”

Additional reporting by PA