Almost two-thirds of schools staff think pupil behaviour will be a challenge as schools begin to reopen from Monday.

A survey of around 5,000 school staff also reveals that more than half are not looking forward to schools reopening, and 70 per cent are not expecting their job to be the same.  

The survey, carried out by Tes’ parent company Tes Global, also reveals that 70 per cent of staff still believe their school is unprepared for adapting to social distancing.

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Lord Jim Knight, chief education and external officer at Tes Global said: “Despite government reassurances, this research makes it clear that social distancing is still the top issue for those working in schools.

“Reopening schools is a critical step in loosening lockdown but school leaders need adequate support for teachers and students to be helped safely back into the classroom.”

Other survey findings include:

• 80 per cent of respondents said school timetabling would be a challenge.
• 19 per cent said that they would be unable to return to work when schools reopen. (Tes estimates that in England, 266,000 members of staff in state-funded schools will not be able to return).
• Only 30 per cent believed pupils had adapted well to the changes while schools were closed.

One teacher told Tes: “Pupils will have had no structure or discipline during lockdown and behaviour issues and social distancing will be even more challenging.”

However, the survey also revealed positive findings, including:

• 54 per cent of school staff said they had learnt new skills and felt that had adapted well to remote learning.
• 46 per cent said relationships with colleagues will be stronger.
• 51 per cent said their workload had been manageable while schools have been closed.
• 53 per cent said they had the resources they needed to work remotely.

Rachel Tomlinson, headteacher of Barrowford Primary in Nelson, Lancashire, said: “Welcoming our Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 children back is going to be like returning in September but on steroids.

“We are positive about the phased return but have had to accept we won’t be able to exercise proper social distancing with our younger children. Instead, we’re planning to be rigorous on personal hygiene and the cleanliness of the school. We’re also switching to online staff meetings and parents’ evenings will include the option for online and phone consultations.”

The Department for Education said it would continue to work with the sector to identify and help resolve any practical issues.

Education secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, our decisions have been based on the best scientific and medical advice, with the welfare of children and staff at the heart of all considerations.

“The prime minister has announced that the government’s five tests have been met and, based on all the evidence, we will now move forward with our plan for a phased and cautious return of a limited number of pupils to primary schools and early years settings from Monday, and students in Years 10 and 12 two weeks later.”

This Monday, Tes Global launches a new back-to-school hub to help school staff reopen safely. The hub will provide free information and advice as well as tailored support packages to help with social distancing, safeguarding, timetabling and many other key aspects of school life. To find out more, visit Tes Global’s coronavirus hub from Monday 1 June.