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Children have missed almost a billion days in school since the start of the pandemic.
In a shocking illustration of the toll of lockdown, research shows that a typical pupil has lost out on more than half an academic year of lessons, sports and activities.
The total includes two terms when national lockdowns meant youngsters had to stay at home. There has also been huge disruption caused by the ‘bubble’ system, under which entire year groups have been sent home because a single classmate has tested positive for Covid.
Government sources said it was hoped that instead of sending pupils home en masse, those who come into contact with a positive Covid case will be able to remain in school by taking daily tests
Despite the devastation, the Government has set aside only £3billion in catch-up funding – equivalent to just £3 per school day missed.
The analysis of lost school days was carried out by the Centre for Social Justice, Iain Duncan Smith’s think-tank.
Using Department for Education surveys and more detailed attendance statistics, researchers calculated that 950,131,227 days were missed between March 20 last year and June 24 this year. With another month of figures to come before the end of term, the final figure will be even closer to one billion days lost – despite the rise in home learning.
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