Covid-19 Schools Update (Verbal Update)
To receive a verbal update on the Covid-19 situation in schools.
Minutes:
Mark Bayley, Acting Director of Education and 14 – 19 Skills, provided an update on the Covid-19 position in schools. Overall the situation was positive with recent data showing the infection rate declining, however high rates still remained in primary and secondary age groups. Challenges remained with staff absences and a number of measures were in place to address this, including movement of staff and combining classes. Pupil attendance in both primary and secondary schools was above the national average and was monitored closely. Attendance was slightly higher in primary schools and a query was raised as to why this was. While this could be attributed to a number of factors, it was agreed that a further breakdown of the information would be provided to the committee. The vaccination rollout continued with good uptake.
RESOLVED:
That the update be noted.