School leaders in England feel lockdown ‘broke spell’ of bond with parents

A child does maths activities on an iPad during home schooling. ‘The unquestionable belief that school must be attended was exploded,’ one expert says. Photograph: Dominic Lipinski/PA

Lockdown “broke the spell” that bound parents and schools together, according to school leaders and experts who have endorsed the Ofsted chief’s view that many parents now disregard rules on behaviour and attendance they once took for granted.

Delivering her last annual report as chief inspector of schools in England, Amanda Spielman said: “The social contract between parents and schools has been fractured by lockdowns and closures.” And she warned: “That social contract took years to build and consolidate and it will take time to restore.”