Agenda item

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

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

• All schools in the City of London Family of Schools returned as usual following the Easter holiday break.
• Infection rates remained low in London, with all boroughs reporting less than 50 cases per 100,000 people. It was hoped that this would continue.
• From 17 May 2021, face coverings were no longer recommended for pupils in all schools and colleges or for staff when in classrooms. In all schools and colleges, the Government continued to recommend that face coverings should be worn by staff and visitors in situations outside of classrooms and where social distancing is not possible.
• Educational visits were now able to resume however international educational visits were not permitted until after the beginning of the new academic year.
• The new Children’s Commissioner for England had launched The Big Ask – the largest ever consultation with children aged 4 to 17 in England - which aimed to find out children’s concerns and aspirations about the future to assist with recovery from the pandemic. All schools were encouraged to support pupils to complete the survey and parents, care leavers and those working with children were invited to complete the associated adult survey.

A Member enquired about staff morale within the schools and it was confirmed that, whilst it was felt that many were pleased to be back teaching in the schools, staff were currently subject to stress resulting from the busy period before the end of the academic year, particularly in light of requirements to undertake assessments of students in place of exams. It was highlighted that efforts were being made by the schools to mitigate this wherever possible.

RESOLVED, that the update be received.