Educators in England are split, with those at secondary level less sure of a safe return
It has been just over a week since children in England headed back to in-person teaching, despite vocal concerns from teaching unions and scientists about safety of reopening schools.
YouGov’s latest Teacher Track survey of teachers in England shows a divide among teaching staff, who are split 49% to 48% over whether students returning to school this month will be safe..
While is little difference between state and private school staff, with 51% and 53% respectively thinking that their students returning will be safe, the age of pupils does seem to make a difference, Those teaching at a primary level are more likely to think the return of pupils to schools will be safe (55%) than not safe (43%). Those teaching in secondary schools, however, are more likely to see the return of pupils as not safe (57%), with only 40% seeing the return as safe.
There is also a disconnect between those in senior roles, such as headteachers, principles and assistant heads (70%) who are much more likely than their frontline teaching staff (45%) to think the return of children this month will be safe.
See full results here
