Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Self-isolating Schoolchildren: Numbers

Monday 23 November 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The latest published data shows that as of 12 November 2020, 0.2% of pupils in state-funded schools were absent due to a confirmed COVID case.
  • Between 5.8% and 6.7% of pupils were self-isolating due to contact with a positive case either in or outside school.
  • Roger Gale congratulated Herne Church of England Junior School on its high ranking in The Sunday Times listings.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Roger Gale Con Herne Bay and Sandwich
NHS Education
Context

The question arises from the need to understand the impact of self-isolation on schoolchildren following contact with a confirmed positive case. The data as of 12 November showed significant absence rates.

Question

What estimate has been made of the number of schoolchildren required to self-isolate at home on 23 November 2020 due to being in contact with another pupil who received a positive COVID-19 test result?

Answer from Gavin Williamson

The latest published data shows that, as of 12 November, 0.2% of pupils in state-funded schools were absent due to a confirmed COVID case, and between 5.8% and 6.7% were self-isolating due to contact either in or outside school. Statistics are published weekly, and the data for the week of 23 November will be published on 1 December.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific estimate requested for 23 November was not provided; only a general statement about upcoming publication was given.

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Q2 Roger Gale Con Herne Bay and Sandwich
Education
Context

The question relates to schools in North Thanet with whole classes isolating due to positive cases. This affects children scheduled for phonics screening and SATs.

Question

First, will my right hon. Friend join me in congratulating Herne Church of England Junior School on achieving an extraordinarily high placing in The Sunday Times listings? There are schools in North Thanet with whole classes isolating, including year 1 and year 2 children. Those are the children scheduled to undergo phonics screening, and others are facing SATs. Further to the question put to the Minister of State by my hon. Friend the Member for Sittingbourne and Sheppey (Gordon Henderson), will the Secretary of State look carefully and again consider the possibility of allowing teacher assessments to take the place of SATs, for this year only?

Answer from Gavin Williamson

I join my right hon. Friend in congratulating Herne Church of England Junior School on its exceptional ranking, which is obviously down to the commitment and dedication of the teaching and support staff, as well, of course, as the pupils and parents, who do so much to support the school. He raises an important point about SATs and assessment. This is a useful internal tool for schools, enabling teachers to have a good grasp and clear understanding of where those children are, especially after so much disruption this year. We will be working closely with the sector to ensure that anything we do in this field is very much to support them and the children, and to support the learning and understanding of what support those children need going forward and not add extra pressures to them.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific commitment to consider replacing SATs with teacher assessments was not made; instead, a general statement about working closely with schools was provided.

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