Agenda item

The Director of Community and Children’s Services to be heard.

The Director of Community & Children’s Services was heard relative to the COVID-19 update. The following points were noted:

• While many continued to operate during lockdown, schools had returned fully from 8^th March 2021.
• Early data had shown that both pupils and staff had been very positive to return and schools were having high attendance, with around 95% of pupils attending. No new cases of COVID-19 had yet been reported across the schools.
• Lateral flow testing was taking place twice a week for pupils and staff in secondary schools, and for staff only in primary schools.
• Face coverings were encouraged in all areas for secondary staff and pupils. This was not the case in primary schools although staff and visitors were encouraged to wear them in communal areas. The wearing of masks could not be mandated, and schools were not permitted to change the uniform policy to include masks.
• Regarding the spring and summer examinations, the government confirmed that in summer 2021, students taking GCSE, AS and A levels regulated by Ofqual, would be awarded grades based on assessment by their teachers. This also applied to the awarding of vocational, technical, and other general qualifications.
• Students were due to receive their results for A/AS levels on the 10 August 2021 and GCSEs on the 12 August 2021, a week earlier than in previous years. There would be no formal publication of results.
• Additional support and resources were being made available for mental health and wellbeing support for both pupils and staff.

The Board thanked everyone involved in ensuring the continued provision of education within the City’s Family of Schools.

RESOLVED, that the update be received.