ATTENDANCE levels of pupils in Devon’s school are at just over 90 per cent – five per cent down on the normal average.

Cllr James McInnes, Devon County Council cabinet member for schools, told Thursday’s full council meeting that currently 90.4 per cent of pupils are attending school in the county – compared to annual average in normal circumstances for attendance was 95.2 per cent.

No details were given as to why the 9.6 per cent were missing, but he said that there were six schools who, following Public Health England advice, have had to close to certain year groups or have self-isolated ‘bubbles’ of children.

All groups currently self-isolating were expected be back in school by October 6, Cllr McInnes said, although a seventh school – Atlantic Academy in Bideford – have subsequently had a positive test confirmed this morning and thus the pupils self-isolating will be off for the next 14 days.

Cllr McInnes also revealed that there are currently there are 244 teachers not at work in the county – although this could be for any reason – and this represents four per cent of the teaching workforce.

He added: ‘The teachers have been enthusiastic about getting kids back and a lot of work has been done to make a school Covid-secure.

‘To have over 90 per cent attendance is brilliant, but we have to face the reality it will be with us for some months to come and have to help schools continue the process.’