Absence rates across schools in England rose sharply at the start of December as more pupils missed class due to illness, official figures suggest.
The proportion of children off sick rose to 7.5% in the week commencing 5 December - up from 6.1% the previous week and 2.6% at the start of the term.
Overall absence rates up to that week surpassed the whole of the 2021 autumn term, when Omicron was taking hold.
A head teachers' union said it was "concerning" for health and education.
The increase in absence has been driven by illness, the Department for Education said, and is "in line with recent increases in rates of seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses".
