Half of schools in England cancel traditional nativity plays

At least half of England’s primary schools have cancelled their nativity plays this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Stringent social distancing measures have forced hundreds of schools to scrap the traditional festive productions, according to a poll by Teacher App. 

But around half of primaries will instead hold ‘virtual’ nativities which will see them record scenes outdoors before sharing the final piece with parents online. 

This comes after schools had to reschedule nativities, parties and concerts last year because of the snap general election.   

According to the poll by Teacher Tapp, 50 per cent of schools in the east of England and 53 per cent in the Midlands will not be holding a nativity this year. 

Some five per cent of schools in the east of England are hopeful they will still be able to stage a production, with an audience. 

In London, 52 per cent of schools intend to screen a virtual play – while 16 per cent of the Capital’s schools say they do not regularly hold a nativity.  

The study, which was answered by 1,483 teachers, found that 56 per cent of schools in the south east will record a nativity and stream it online.   

Last year the snap general election called for December forced hundreds of schools to reschedule nativities as their buildings were turned into polling stations.