The majority of headteachers reported a high attendance – more than 80% – among the pupils who returned to the classroom this week.
Schools in England began welcoming back students in all year groups for the start of the autumn term, with the remainder due to open this coming week.
Early indications from a poll, by the school leaders union’ NAHT, suggest around nine in ten (92%) schools have so far had more than 80% of pupils attend.
The survey, of more 840 school leaders on Friday, found more than four in five (82%) schools have had more than 90% of children turn up to school.
School leaders said the top reasons for pupils not attending school were that they were quarantining following a trip abroad, were still away on holiday or were unwell with a non-coronavirus illness.
About one in five (21%) school leaders said they had a pupil in their school who did not attend because their parents felt too anxious to send them back.
A similar proportion (20%) said they had a pupil in their school who did not attend because they were self-isolating following exposure to Covid-19.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT, said: “This is a remarkable achievement, but we should not take anything for granted because we know that restrictions may well be likely as we get deeper into this term.
“What’s important is that the Government gives very clear messages to schools and parents from now on so that attendance can remain high.”
It is the first time many pupils have stepped into a classroom since March, when schools were closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Department for Education has said fines for parents who refuse to send their children to school will only be used as a “last resort”.
Mr Whiteman added: “Obviously for some, the anxiety of coronavirus means that they do not feel able to send their children to school.
“Schools will work compassionately with these families and they should not be shamed or fined, which is why we are restating our appeal to the Government to take the threat of fines off the table.”
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “It is so encouraging to see schools opening their gates for the new term and I’m delighted that children are being reunited with their classmates and teachers. Once again, I’d like to thank staff for their hard work throughout the summer holidays getting all schools and colleges ready for a safe return.
“More schools will continue to open to all pupils next week, following teacher training days and inductions for new year groups. It’s vital that time is taken to fully settle into new routines and I am confident we have the right contingency plans to deal with any challenges.”
Source: Eleanor Busby, PA Education Correspondent
