MORE KIDS were in primary school this week than at any point since the Covid pandemic began, The Sun can reveal.
Whitehall insiders said the reopening has been a big success, with nearly all children back at their desks.
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Attendance in primaries soared above 92 per cent – the previous high which was hit on January 4 this year.
Hardline unions had tried to scupper the reopening with gloomy predictions of testing chaos and infection at the school gates.
But delighted teachers, parents and kids told of their joy at finally being allowed back in school.
It came as Education Secretary Gavin Williamson admitted the ÂŁ1.7billion schools catch up package âonly scratches the surfaceâ.
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His words, made to the teaching union ASCLâs annual conference, is a major hint that more cash will be found to help kids.
He said: âOur children have lost so much of their childhood and we have to make that up to them.â The Cabinet Minister ruled out scrapping GCSE exams for good, despite pressure from some teachers.
And he revealed that his âpillow talkâ at home with his wife â who is a teaching assistant â revolves around the classroom.
He said: âMy wife is a teaching assistant and it is always interesting because I obviously get quite a bit of lobbying. You know, our pillow talk is maybe a little bit different.
âSheâs always sort of highlighting various issues where maybe the Department for Education hasnât always got it perfect all the time and itâs always good to hear it from the frontline.â
Mr Williamson, who is battling to hold on to his job in the looming reshuffle, also revealed he has bought a lockdown puppy to help cope with the stress.
He admitted ânot every day has been brilliantâ at the Department for Education.
And added: âThe one thing about pets is that they always seem to be pleased to see you, especially dogs.
“So I think that sort of combination of family and dogs are probably the things that keep you sane.
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