ONS Coronavirus Infection Survey
The Department for Education must act to bring down the infection rate among secondary school age pupils which is causing far too much disruption to education.
Press release
Wales - ventilating our education settings
NEU Cymru welcomes investment in ventilation.
LGA calls for Government to provide funding for school-based counselling
We agree with the LGA that more school-based counselling would be a sensible step given the increased number of young people with anxiety and mental health issues.
Wales national conversation on qualifications
NEU Cymru welcomes Qualifications Wales “national conversation”.
UCL research showing families in need turning to schools for support with clothing and food
Schools cannot act alone. Urgent action to tackle the scourge of child poverty is needed from the Government.
Coronavirus: safety measures in schools
Education Unions call for additional safety measures in schools
Prime Minister’s speech to Conservative Party Conference
Unreasonable and intensive workload, pay and lack of professional agency is driving teachers from the profession in ever increasing numbers. This must be addressed by the Government urgently.
Latest school attendance figures
The rise in Covid cases in schools in England is extremely worrying. Over 100,000 pupils were absent last week with a confirmed case, two-thirds of them in secondary schools.
Cuts to Universal Credit
The cut to Universal Credit contradicts the Government’s promise to level up. The help that is now offered to families has been cut down to completely inadequate levels.
NEU: Value Education, Value Educators campaign
The pandemic has proved just how valuable schools are to children, young people and society. It's time to Value Education, Value Educators.
Education Secretary speech to Conservative Party Conference
The Education Secretary has the opportunity to address the problems of education underfunding, child poverty and the pandemic.
Ofqual on 2022 Summer Exams
It is welcomed that an announcement has finally been made on exams, grading and contingency plans for 2022, however it has come far too late.
Keir Starmer Speech
Labour have understood that any Government serious about education needs both a strategy to reduce child poverty and a strategy on boosting schools' capacity to serve every local child.
Joint unions submission ahead of Comprehensive Spending Review
Education unions call for Prime Minister to ‘keep his promise’ on education in Comprehensive Spending Review.
Kate Green on Education Recovery
Labour are right to focus on small group work for the students who need it because much more of this will be needed than in a normal year and this requires funds for proper staffing.
UCL on Primary School Tests and Children’s Wellbeing
Unfortunately, the researchers have drawn conclusions about the future of primary testing based on analysis of the regime almost ten years ago.
Attendance Data - 16 September
The whole pandemic has been characterised by school and college staff doing everything they can, but Government not doing enough. This must change.
Children in Poverty
This report demonstrates the impact of coronavirus on families living on the brink. The NEU agrees with the Committee's call for a new cross-departmental strategy to tackle child poverty.
New Education Secretary
The NEU congratulates the new Secretary of State for Education on being appointed to the most important position in the Cabinet.
Education unions respond jointly to STRB
Education unions respond have jointly to School Teachers' Review Body (STRB), criticising pay freeze imposed by Government. Teachers and school leaders have made an immense contribution to the country's pandemic response.
Chief Medical Officers Recommend Vaccinations for 12-15 Year Olds
The decision by the Chief Medical Officers to encourage the take up of vaccinations by 12-15 year olds will be another tool to help pupils sustain their access to education throughout the autumn and winter.
EPI on Narrowing Diversity in A Levels
A narrowing of choice at A level will have a knock-on effect on the subjects which teachers will be qualified to teach in the future, sending us into a downward spiral of diminishing diversity.
Climate Learning Month teaching materials launched
The NEU along with others have today launched a set of climate and sustainability teaching resources to support Climate Learning Month taking place from October 2021 in the run-up to COP 26.
UCL on Tackling Extremism
This is an important report. It reminds us about the power of education to build societies.
Nuffield Foundation on Home Learning
Teachers need extra flexibility to target support at individual students and more time to work with groups who need additional help with some subjects. This requires more teachers and more support staff.
JCVI: no mass vaccine for 12-15
JCVI declines mass vaccination of 12-15 year olds
BMJ Research into Covid Risk for Teachers
It is very good news and very reassuring that teachers have been found not to be at greater risk of hospitalisation because of Covid.
SAGE on Schools Reopening
This statement from SAGE is a rebuke to Gavin Williamson. Nothing has been done to prepare for the possibility of large numbers of cases which will lead to lots of disruption for staff and pupils
Back to School
We all want the return to school to be successful. This charm offensive from Government relies on the notion that the removal of safety requirements will magically transform school and college life.
CO2 Monitors
This is a really welcome first step in accepting our argument that funding is needed for good ventilation. It is vital, though, that Government must also commit to supporting schools to address any ventilation problems identified by these monitors.
Sutton Trust report on Childcare in Early Years
Providing good quality early education should be considered by Government and policymakers as vitally important and a funding priority, but for too long it has been starved.
Urgent action needed on ventilation in schools
Education unions make joint call for urgent action on ventilation in schools
GCSE Results
This year's GCSE results can be relied upon to help students move on to their next step.
Vocational and Technical Qualifications
Congratulations to all students for their achievements this year and all the hard work that their teachers have done to make this possible.
A-Level Results
Today’s results were achieved amidst unprecedented levels of disruption and adversity, but students can rest assured that they have been judged according to the work they have actually done.
Government agrees to vaccination of 16-17 year-olds
The recommendation by JCVI for the vaccination of 16 and 17-year-olds will certainly help to protect young people, their families and communities and minimise disruption to education next academic year.
Permanent Exclusions and Suspensions
Our young people have one chance in education, and it falls to Government to ensure that the best possible environment is provided to them.
Don't scrap BTEC
Education bodies write to Gavin Williamson urging him not to scrap BTEC qualifications
Attendance Data in Education Settings
The rates of absence in schools are really down to one thing: the Government's inability to control spiralling case numbers of COVID-19.
Education unions react to publication of STRB report on pay
Teachers and school leaders are united in their opposition to the Government's pay freeze.
Teacher pay freeze
All education staff deserve a significant pay increase, not another real-terms pay cut.
Impact of the Pandemic on Early Years
The Education Policy Institute (EPI) and National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) report into impact of the pandemic on early years.
Latest school attendance figures: week 29
The new attendance figures show that a quarter of all pupils were absent from school last week, with over a million being absent for specific Covid-related reasons.
Government decision on school performance tables 2021/22
The continued mistreatment of education professionals brings shame on this Government.
British Educational Research Association report on primary assessment
This has to change. We will not move our school system forward without engaging in serious thought about its problems. BERA's report is an opportunity to do that.
Flu Vaccines
The NEU welcomes the news that there will be a mass vaccination programme against the flu including of children.
Coronavirus: school outbreaks remain high
NEU comment as latest PHE data shows school outbreaks remain high
EPI on Teacher CPD
EPI report: high quality CPD for teachers is both needed and cost-effective.
International Aid Vote
Shockingly cynical move has ridden roughshod over the Government's manifesto commitment and left the UK’s international credibility in tatters.
NFER on Pupil Covid-Related Anxiety
National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) report on an increase in pupils with mental health issues.
Latest School Attendance Figures
The number of pupils absent for COVID-19 related reasons is now the highest at any point in the pandemic.
Hamilton Commission on Representing Black People in UK Motorsport
The NEU is committed to working with The Hamilton Commission to support and empower young Black people through education, and to widen opportunities.
Labour Call for Free School Meals Support in Summer
The Government does not appear to be learning from its u-turns on free school meals and is ignoring the strong public support for meals in the holidays for these children.
Qualifications in 2022
This consultation is unlikely to provide definitive answers ahead of the new term starting in September. At best it will be a partial picture of arrangements.
Rise in Coronavirus Clusters in Schools
Rising infection rates increase the disruption to education, but DfE still fail to act.
School Funding Consultation
DfE consultation on school funding simply completes the redistribution of school funding from poorer areas to better-off areas.
Removal of school safety measures
NEU writes to Gavin Williamson about removal of safety measures in schools
Changes to Covid Measures in Education Settings
We can all hope for the best, but we must now plan for something that is less than the best.
Changes to Covid Restrictions in Schools
This is neglectful and reckless decision-making, when schools and colleges quite obviously need the backing of Government to ensure their workplace remains safe. This is not a Government which oversees, but one which overlooks.
Initial Teacher Training
The NEU urges the Government to halt the ITT market review, take a pause for breath, and then really engage all stakeholders in a discussion about what the issues and solutions in ITT provision are.
Labour on 2022 Examinations
September 1st is the absolute latest that information should be provided about qualifications in 2022. There still hasn’t been any detail nor a public consultation, and we are already in July. That is unacceptable.
Unions condemn Government treatment of school and college leaders
Three education unions have written to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson expressing our anger and dismay at the way in which the government is treating school and college leaders.
Education Endowment Foundation on Impact of Covid
These reports show, once again, how much we need a long-term, properly thought-through and resourced plan for education recovery.
National Audit Office on School Funding
Schools cannot thrive without proper financial support and without a proper assessment of costs. Yet again, the Department for Education have been found out on school funding.
Free School Meal provision during summer holidays
Labour Party calls for clarity over free school meal provision during the summer holidays.
Mind report on Young People’s Mental Health
We need a holistic approach to education recovery over the coming year because of the strong relationship between mental health and learning.
Attendance Data
The continued sharp rise in Covid-related pupil absences risks leaving plans for the end of the school year in tatters.
Self-Isolation and Schools
The DfE "possible arrangements for testing in September" scarcely qualify as a plan at all.
Behaviour Management in Schools
The consultation on behaviour management in schools should focus on wellbeing not phones.
Thank A Teacher Day
While there have been many unsung heroes during this pandemic, Thank A Teacher Day gives us all an opportunity to recognise the work that has gone on in schools and colleges up and down the country.
School Absence Rates
The new attendance figures are very worrying. In secondary schools the rate of absence for Covid-related reasons has tripled in just one week, while in primary schools the rate has doubled in a week.
NEU Cymru welcomes Estyn inspection plans for autumn term
The pandemic has meant that schools have not been focusing on moving towards to the new Curriculum 2022.
NEU Cymru congratulates students getting their grades
Welsh Government needs to put a Plan B in place and make funds available now, so education settings can start planning for next year.
NEU Cymru, Unite, and GMB launch mental health and wellbeing survey
NEU Cymru, Unite, and GMB have today launched a mental health and wellbeing survey which is open to anyone who works within the education sector in Wales.
NEU Cymru notes delay for implementation of new curriculum for secondary schools
Implementation of the new curriculum will not be mandatory for secondary schools in Wales until September 2023
NEU Cymru comment on A level grades in Wales
Welsh students can take comfort in receiving a grade based on the merits of their own work this year.
NEU Cymru welcomes support for NQTs
Education Minister announces support for NQTs and focus on education recovery
NEU Cymru comment on the offer of a vaccination for 12-15-year-olds
Welsh Ministers have decided to go ahead with offering to vaccinate children.
Education Committee Report on White Working-Class Pupils
It is important to understand that social class is the biggest determinant of educational success or failure. Too many children and young people are disengaged from the curriculum.
School Census Data shows increase in Free School Meal provision
Government must act urgently to implement the recommendations of the National Food Strategy. No child should come to school too hungry to learn.
School Workforce Data
The school workforce data must be seen in the context of the severe recruitment and retention problems that have developed over the past decade.
Phonic checks back in Autumn
Education Secretary confirms phonic checks to resume in Autumn term
NFER on Apprenticeships
The NEU supports proposals to help young people access apprenticeship programmes but this report lays bare the disproportionate impact those reforms are having on younger apprentices.
Early Years Alliance on Underfunding of Sector
It is shameful that the Government continues to let down the Early Years sector. The Government’s current policies and lack of action are clearly a threat to the sector and the life chances of the children they educate.
NEU Cymru disappointed with IWPRB pay award for teachers
We are disappointed to read that Jeremy Miles is minded to accept the recommendation of a pay award for teachers across the board of only 1.75% with effect from 1 September 2021.
UK aid to Global Partnership for Education
UK announces £430m aid to Global Partnership for Education
Ofsted Review of Sexual Abuse in Schools and Colleges
Sexual harassment is still trivialised and normalised throughout society, and we urgently need to boost the focus around both preventing and responding to the sexual harassment.
Reintroduce face coverings
Government must reintroduce face coverings to minimise Covid disruption in schools, say education unions
School Attendance Figures: week before half-term
In order to keep face-to-face learning on a sustainable footing, Government must take the rising secondary school case numbers seriously.
Resignation of Sir Kevan Collins
Sir Kevan Collins, Education Recovery Commissioner Resignation.
Government’s education recovery plan
The Government’s plans for education recovery for the nation’s pupils are inadequate and incomplete.
Labour’s Children’s Recovery Plan
Labour is right to recognise that children need to recover through play and through greatly improved mental-health support.
Fairness on grading
As workload rockets for grading season, 10,000 educators write to Gavin Williamson demanding he provides compensation
Over half a million children reliant on free school meals
Labour Party figures show over half a million children have become reliant on free school meals during the pandemic.
Latest school attendance data from Government
We call on the Government to release school attendance figures for the local authorities to be released before the middle of June.
Ofsted on Teaching Teachers
We urge the Government to fully fund schools to deliver the practical support new teachers need to become confident and competent classroom practitioners, and not risk a further loss to the profession that the system can ill afford.
IFS on Covid-related spending
This report from the IFS exposes another example of the gap between Government rhetoric about investing in education recovery and the reality.
Sutton Trust on Early Years
The report confirms what early years educators have repeatedly told Government: recovery from the pandemic must be concerned with building back the social element in children's lives.
EPI on Teacher Pay and Retention
The EPI report rightly highlights the severe teacher recruitment and retention problems, and the significant gaps between teacher pay and the pay of other graduate professions.
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
Today is an important day which draws attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBT+ people around the world and here at home.
EPI on Education Recovery
The EPI report highlights the scale of the disruption caused by the pandemic and the necessary funding needed to repair the damage.
Queen’s Speech
The Government must invest properly in education rather than attempt to cover up a general lack of new money.
Masks in Schools
The Government have ignored SAGE’s advice to keep face masks in the classroom.
Trial use of LFTs as an alternative to isolation
NEU meets with scientists running the trial on the use of lateral flow test (LFTs) as an alternative to isolation.
Masks still needed to Keep Millions Safe
Scientists: More than 153,000 children and school staff with Long COVID means masks still needed to keep millions safe.
Speech by Gavin Williamson to the Confederation of School Trusts
The fragmented academy system has serious structural problems and contradictions which are entirely the fault of this Government. What we need is greater coherence and investment in the democratic structures and support that bind schools to one another and to their communities.
Sutton Trust on Pupil Premium Funding
School budgets have been hit hard by coronavirus and the inadequate reimbursement from Government. Gavin Williamson must come clean as to how much schools have lost as a result of his moving the goalpost.
EPI on Teacher Training and Development
The NEU agrees that a boost to the amount of high quality CPD teachers receive would be extremely welcome by the profession and a good step in improving retention.
NEU endorses the Stephen Hawking Foundation "Are Vaccines Safe?"
The National Education Union and Runnymede Trust have endorsed classroom resources produced by the Stephen Hawking Foundation to tackle vaccine hesitancy and encourage critical thinking.
New curriculum and assessment legislation reform
NEU Cymru calls on the next Welsh Government to fully fund the new Curriculum and ALN reform.
Cuts to International Aid
The Government's plans for slashing overseas aid are indefensible. A direct line can and will be drawn between these cuts and irreversible damage to children's fundamental right to education, safety, and dignity.
EPI on Education Recovery
We agree with the report’s conclusions that overcoming the pandemic is possible and that it should serve as a catalyst for sustained improvements in education.
Face Coverings in Class
The NEU welcomes the fact that the Government has accepted the scientific consensus that the wearing of face coverings by staff and students in classrooms forms a key part of a comprehensive strategy of measures to suppress transmission of Covid-19 in schools and colleges.
Funding for Nursery Schools
The NEU is determined that the early years sector will not be the poor relation of the education system.
Venezuela
The sweeping sanctions and economic blockade imposed on Venezuela are blunt instruments that have led to ordinary people suffering inhumanely.
Defend the Right to Protest - Oppose the New Police Bill
We believe that this Bill attempts to solve a problem that does not exist, diverting the police into partisan ‘culture wars’, and restricting an inherent aspect of a free society – the right to protest.
Workload
Analysis after analysis and survey upon survey continue to demonstrate that teacher workload remains unsustainable and is the main driver for leaving the profession.
Supply Staff
The Covid crisis has demonstrated even more reasons to change the way that we organise the provision of supply staff in schools.
Pride in Our Union
We've got to assert that homophobic and transphobic discrimination doesn't go unnoticed or unchallenged.
Marcus Rashford MBE receives 2021 Fred and Anne Jarvis Award
This year’s Fred & Anne Jarvis Award has been given to Marcus Rashford MBE for his work in fighting food poverty.
Harassment, Abuse and Violence Against Women
Sexism has real negative consequences for girls and for female staff, who disproportionately experience sexual violence and harassment. If we want different outcomes for girls, we need to start doing things differently.
Black Lives Matter
It is urgent that all Black students can access a positive, engaging and representative curriculum.
Combat Climate Breakdown in School and Beyond
The Government should recognise the power of education in the fight against climate change and ensure that the school curriculum addresses the climate emergency, the effects of climate change and what we can do to mitigate it.
PSHE, RSE and LGBT+ Inclusive Education
We can't work towards equality in society or tackle discrimination in workplaces unless we talk positively about LGBT+ people across the curriculum.
Post-16 Sector
If the Government is to achieve its agenda of levelling up and the promise of better jobs, it must restore funding and pay in the sector.
Union Recognition and Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS)
The Teachers’ Pension Scheme is a fundamental part of a teacher’s remuneration.
SEND Funding and Mental Health
Government must properly fund all schools and conduct an urgent review of high-needs funding.
Maternity Rights
Sexism and sexist biases including pregnancy and maternity discrimination mean that women in the education sector are losing out in status and pay.
A Diverse and Inclusive Curriculum
In place of micro-management, teachers need space to make a curriculum that is broad and balanced, offering opportunities for creativity, exploration and for meaningful, collaborative learning.
Pay Freeze
The Government's ideologically-driven pay freeze is both unjustified and unfair.
Covid-19 and Workload
The problem of high workload predates the pandemic and will, unfortunately, survive it.
The State of Education: Young People’s Mental Health
In advance of the National Education Union’s annual conference, held online this week, more than 10,000 teachers, leaders and support staff from across the UK and in all school and college settings have made clear their views on the State of Education and the conditions under which they work.
Protecting Black Lives in Education
Throughout 2020 and 2021, racism and the value of Black lives has been the subject of persistent and painful news stories, and the Covid pandemic has laid bare the extent of racial inequalities in all areas of social policy.
Addressing the Crisis of Disability Equality in Our Schools
There remains a job of work to do within the education sector about making sure employers make reasonable adjustments to retain and value their staff who are disabled.
Child Poverty
The last ten years has seen a dramatic rise in child poverty across the UK – and without drastic, immediate action from Government the numbers will increase.
Abolish Ofsted and League Tables
Ofsted is not an agent of change. It is a blunt instrument – a wholly negative presence in schools, never offering constructive advice.
Stop Toxic Testing
Today, the Union has set out the measures government should take to learn from the failures of the past and to open up our narrow, test-driven and restrictive education system so that it benefits all learners, from the early years to adulthood.
GCSE and A-Levels
The pandemic has exposed the flaws that exist when awarding GCSE and A-Level grades even in a normal year.
The State of Education: Poverty, the Pandemic and Recovery
Survey of members on how best to steer a course for education out of Covid.
Baseline Assessment
“This year of all years is a terrible time to introduce a statutory requirement to introduce a baseline test which is designed not to give information to either teachers or parents.
Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities
Many schools themselves are already showing the lead on this and decolonising their curriculum, but today’s report misses the point that schools are doing this in the absence of support and despite the Government.
Summer Schools
There is welcome clarity in today’s advice that schools can adopt the plans which best suit their situation.
Ofsted
We have long warned that this framework is extremely difficult for primary schools and will force more schools to take their focus away from the needs of the children they teach and towards a rigid view of curriculum.
JCQ Guidance on GCSEs and A-Levels
School leaders and teachers now need assurances from the Secretary of State that no new requirements will be made of them.
NEU Cymru members say more funding for education
99% of NEU Cymru members say more funding for education would help young people learn
Teacher labour market
The NFER is right to note that any improvement in teacher supply due to the pandemic will be short-lived.
NEU Cymru welcomes report on "Fair Deal for supply teachers"
During the pandemic, our supply members have been extremely disappointed by the behaviour of some of the supply agencies, who have refused to Furlough supply staff.
NAO on Public Service Pensions
The NEU broadly welcomes the NAO report on public service pensions, which largely endorses the NEU’s arguments down the years.
EPI report on SEND postcode lottery
It is an impact of the systemic cuts to SEND funding that local authorities in the most disadvantaged areas are found in the report to have been forced to ration support for the children with greatest need.
UCL on School Accountability and Stress
The UCL analysis also highlights cases of schools where stress caused by accountability is higher than in others.
NAO report on the DfE and support for children’s education during Covid
It is understandable that the Government would not have an off-the-shelf plan for schools having to operate under an extended lockdown, as was the case from March 2020, but it continued to dither and delay over many months.
Police gross mishandling of vigil for Sarah Everard
Covid-19 safeguards are necessary but vigil policing was inappropriately handled and disturbing.
Labour's analysis of class sizes
The Labour Party is right to highlight this important issue. The proportion of pupils in outsized secondary classes is at its highest point in the last 40 years with 1 million children being taught in classes of more than 30.
Bright Future Taskforce
Labour launches Bright Future Taskforce
School and college wider re-opening Monday 8th March
We all hope that this is the last lockdown. But the Government has not done enough to ensure this properly.
Budget 2021
The Government has said schools are a “national priority”, yet this Budget has provided schools with no new resources to manage coronavirus.
Local Councillors sign letter to PM to extend Free School Meals
Ahead of the Chancellor's Budget statement this week, over 750 local councillors have signed a letter to the Prime Minister calling for more support so that no child is left behind.
Awarding Grades for 2021
Government acted too late. Had there been steps taken at the start of the academic year to prepare for the eventuality that exams may not be able to happen, this could have been more easily resolved.
Government’s education recovery package
The NEU and the Sutton Trust have recommended to Government that £750 million is needed as the first immediate boost to Pupil Premium. Instead, £302 million has been announced.
The Government are still not following the science
Boris Johnson has pressed ahead with this gamble on the wider opening of schools and colleges in one swoop and ignored the advice for a phased return.
Schools Wider Opening from 8 March
Today’s announcement that all pupils will return to English schools and colleges on 8 March demonstrates, again, that Boris Johnson has, despite all his words of caution, failed to learn the lessons of his previous mistakes
Joint statement on wider opening of schools in England
Nine education organisations have joined together to issue a statement on the wider opening of schools and colleges in England.
Joint education statement on vaccines
Early years, schools and college staff must be prioritised for Phase 2 vaccinations, union and education leaders warn following reports of government row-back
EPI on education recovery
No educational programme will be successful unless it is linked to measures on a massive scale to deal with poverty.
Education unions unite to reject Government pay freeze
Organisations representing the overwhelming majority of teachers and school leaders in England have united in opposing the Government’s pay freeze.
Consultation on public sector pensions
The NEU deplores the Government’s decision to pass the cost of fixing its own unlawful age discrimination on to public sector workers.
Joint statement: fair summer assessment
Education organisations set out principles for fair assessment this summer
EdenRed FSM vouchers report
PAC report into EdenRed delivery of Free School Meal vouchers
Ofsted Inspections
NEU is pleased that Ofsted has shown sense and further delayed its on-site inspections.
NEU Cymru notes plans to open schools for early years
We must be mindful that everyone will be apprehensive about a potential rise in the virus levels if we open up too quickly, so a phased approach is welcome, as a safe return is essential.
NEU launches plan for education return and recovery
Today the NEU launches a new Education Recovery Plan
Prime Minister’s Roadmap for Schools
We all want schools to open, but like the Prime Minister we want them to open when it is safe to do so. This has to be done sustainably and safely.
NEU survey shows need to support students during lockdown
In a survey of more than 2,500 National Education Union members, we asked staff working in schools in England and Wales to detail the impact of the pandemic on their disadvantaged students.
NEU and Daily Mirror launch Help a Child to Learn appeal
The National Education Union and the Daily Mirror launch Help a Child to Learn appeal with £1m for schools.
Ofsted on Remote Education
Ofsted's insistence on "monitoring" only adds to the pressure onschools
Early Years Census 2021 Return
The clarification to the census guidance is a limited and confusing response to a worsening crisis. Its offer of top-up funding does not guarantee the necessary level of financial support.
Coronavirus Infection Survey
This survey is of great concern. It confirms the worries of the NEU and many others that this lockdown has not been strict enough.
Gavin Williamson on wider reopening of schools and colleges
It is good that we now have an assurance from Gavin Williamson that school staff will be given two weeks' notice before reopening.
NEU Cymru welcomes changes to awarding grades
We are always concerned that exams do not fully reflect the potential of young people in the system, and are especially pleased that there are no plans to use an unfair algorithm this year.
Sutton Trust on Learning in Lockdown
We agree with the Sutton Trust that disadvantaged pupils are going to require significant extra investment because of deepening levels of deprivation.
Remote Education Hub
NEU Launch Remote Education Hub
Pause on Lateral Flow Testing
We are relieved that the Government now accepts that it was wrong to introduce testing in this way
Impact of COVID on school workforce
Department for Education releases data on the impact of coronavirus on the school workforce.
Latest statistics on school attendance
The number of pupils eligible to go to school and colleges is higher than in the previous lockdown but even given the increase in student numbers staff attendance rates could be much lower.
Universal Credit and Free School Meals
More than 1 in 4 children across the UK are growing up trapped in poverty, but we are still having the same conversations about whether MPs will do the right thing to tackle the scourge of child poverty in 2021.
DfE Consultation on Awarding Grades
Consultation is always welcome but this is too late in the day.
MHRA on Testing in Schools
We have always supported the idea of mass testing in schools as a means to facilitate safe on-site learning, but this has to be consistent with scientific understanding.
Free School Meals in Half Term
Government won't fund FSM over February half term.
Teachers top priority in next vaccine phase
Gavin Williamson on school staff being a “top priority” in next phase of vaccine rollout
Gavin Williamson on 2021 Exams
The principle of trusting teachers rather than algorithms is absolutely the right one to take. The fact that the Government originally did not do so last summer was what caused upset and chaos for students.
Government and Laptops
The Government can't claim to protect disadvantaged students while they routinely let them down
Keep early years safe and funded
The National Education Union and UNISON have highlighted a series of funding and safety issues ministers must address to ensure community safety around the care and education of young children.
Keir Starmer Speech
Keir Starmer is right to call out the Government on key worker pay. A pay freeze is no way to reward education staff for the immense contribution they have made to the country's response to the pandemic.
Education unions need answers from education secretary
The NEU and UNISON have written to Gavin Williamson about the effect a significant extension to the number of pupils allowed back into school will have on Coronavirus transmission rates.
ONS Coronavirus Infection Survey
The Government can't seem to decide whether schools are safe or unsafe. Let this data end their confusion.
Wales school closure
NEU Cymru welcomes proposed closure of schools and colleges until February
Wales money for disadvantaged learners
NEU Cymru welcomes extra money for disadvantaged learners
Wales families on UC
Organisations join forces to call for more support for families on universal credit
SATs Cancelled
Teachers and parents will be relieved that Gavin Williamson has faced up to reality and cancelled this year's SATs tests.
Gavin Williamson’s Plan for Schools and Colleges
Education staff will need further information soon about the training proposed by Gavin Williamson to assist with ensuring consistency and fairness of grades nationally.
Wales move to on-line learning
NEU Cymru welcomes move to on-line learning
Wales return to education
NEU Cymru comments on the return to education
National Lockdown: Schools and colleges to close
No one wanted schools and colleges to be shut again but the evidence clearly pointed to the necessity for this to happen weeks ago.
Northern Ireland primary and post-primary schools to extend remote learning
Full National Education Union Statement, 3rd January 2020
Call for all primary schools in England to move learning online
We are informing our members of their legal right to protection to be guided by the science. In order for viral levels in children and in the community to decrease to below R1 primary schools should not open in the first weeks of January.
NEU advises primary members it is unsafe to return to work
Today, the National Education Union has taken the difficult decision to advise its members in primary and special needs schools, and early years settings, that it is unsafe to return to work on Monday.
London primary schools to close
Another last minute U-turn as Government announces all London primaries are to stay closed until 18 January at least.
On December 22 SAGE told Government to close schools
SAGE told ministers that they needed to close schools to contain coronavirus, before Christmas.
January return to school
NEU responds to the Government’s announcement on the return to school in January
Schools and colleges should delay January opening
NEU presses Government to release advice from Chief Medical Officer and reiterates position that schools and colleges should start the New Year with a period of online learning
EPI report into school funding during COVID
The Government claims to want to build back better but that will not be possible if schools are bankrupted by coronavirus.
New measures for return of schools and colleges in January
NEU calls for new measures to ensure safe return of schools and colleges in January
ONS: huge surge in school infection
Latest COVID infection survey shows huge surge amongst school and college students
NEU writes to Gavin Williamson about mass testing plan
NEU has today written to Gavin Williamson about his “inoperable” mass testing plan for secondary schools and colleges beginning in January.
ONS School Infection Survey
NEU call that education staff should be vaccinated
Plans for Schools in January
Today’s announcement by Government, made on the last day of term, demonstrates ministerial panic rather than rational and responsible action.
Education unions condemn STRB restriction
Three education unions condemn Gavin Williamson for restricting the STRB
School Attendance Data
These attendance figures that have been hidden from the public for so long show just what a profound impact coronavirus has had on schooling in many areas.
Mass Testing for Schools
This announcement gives almost zero notice for unions to assess the plans, or for schools to implement them. The Government’s suggestion that the preparation for the roll-out of testing should happen this week is ridiculous.
Greenwich Council
This Government really has taken a step too far. They should hang their heads in shame. Parents, students and school staff will not forgive this wilful neglect of their safety.
NEU Cymru welcomes ‘distance learning’ week in secondary schools and colleges
NEU Cymru secondary members will be heartened to hear secondary schools are moving to a distance learning model in the last week of term. Our members in primary schools will still be concerned.
Ofsted on Covid Isolation
It is hugely concerning that Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) children are not doing as well as their peers in terms of coping with remote learning.
School closures
NEU comment on call by Sadiq Khan to close schools this week and move to online learning.
ONS Figures
The latest ONS Coronavirus survey figures should be very worrying to the Government - especially in the run up to Christmas. They show that cases are again rising in secondary and primary schools.
Testing in Schools
Rolling out testing in these two areas is a start, but the Prime Minister needs to urgently address those other parts of the country where infection rates remain high.
COVID Map - Welsh Schools Update
NEU Cymru are today are launching an interactive Covid Map for schools in Wales.
NEU Cymru comment on Estyn Annual Report
NEU Cymru welcome that Estyn’s Annual Report provides acknowledgement of what a challenging year this has been for everyone in education in Wales.
Joint unions express outrage at pay offer
Trade unions representing staff in English further education colleges have today (Thursday) slammed the decision by the Association of Colleges (AoC) to offer a 1% pay increase and demanded to know what additional Government funding had been spent on.
Attendance Figures
The latest figures from the last week of national lockdown are deeply depressing. One in five secondary pupils and one in ten primary pupils were absent last week
Latest DfE figures for trainee teachers
General increase is welcome but subject shortages and retention are a challenge.
DfE on Primary Assessment
Teachers require an assurance that the results of key stage 2 tests in 2021, which cannot possibly be a measure of the quality of a school, will not be used as a measure of accountability.
DfE package of measures - 2021 examinations
The Westminster Government’s slow decision-making process on secondary exams and qualifications is better than nothing, but far less helpful than it could have been if it had been made sooner.
NFER on School Funding and Covid-19
The NFER report has confirmed what the education world already knew. Schools are struggling to cope with the extra costs of Covid-19.
Imperial College REACT-1 Survey
We are deeply concerned by the results of the REACT-1 coronavirus survey which show that over the lockdown coronavirus has continued to increase amongst school age children
Latest Attendance Figures
The only way to improve school attendance is for the Government to act to bring down coronavirus infection rates in schools.
Ofsted Annual Report
The best thing Ofsted could do would be to announce that their routine inspections will not begin again this academic year.
Labour on exams
Labour is right to point to huge deficiencies in what the Government has so far said about exams for next summer.
Clinically extremely vulnerable staff
NEU demand that clinically extremely vulnerable staff should work from home after lockdown.
Independent SAGE
This is a welcome intervention by Independent SAGE, which once again exposes the enormous blind-spot that Government has towards schools.
Aid Budget
258 million children were out of school before the Covid pandemic and millions more now stand to never return.
Spending Review 2020
Pay freeze is a body blow to education workers
Attendance figures update
School attendance continues to fall in the face of the pandemic.
NEU Cymru welcomes face coverings ‘should’ be worn in school communal areas
We can see now that the virus is spreading in schools. We have more and more information all the time, and our priority must be keeping both learners and staff as safe as possible.
UCL research on Teacher Workload
Evidence from report shows teachers are still working amongst the longest hours in Europe.
Phonics research
More Than a Score research on Phonics
Latest ONS school infection rate figures
As rates rise lockdown seems to have done nothing to slow the increase in infection amongst school age pupils
Independent School conference survey
NEU survey of independent school staff finds support for measures to minimise Covid risk but more needs to be done.
Public Sector Pay
The Government will argue this is about holding down public sector pay because private sector pay has gone down, but it makes no sense economically.
Belonging, behaviour, and learning outcomes
NEU launches research on 'a sense of belonging' and its role in positive learning and behaviour
Post-Qualification University Admissions
Government proposal to use real rather than predicted A level grades for higher education places.
ONS data finds infection rates highest amongst secondary aged pupils
The Office for National Statistics' latest infection survey shows that secondary-age pupils now have the highest rate of infection of any age group and, whilst it has fallen a little as a result of the half-term holiday, it is likely to carry on increasing.
Education Committee on Exams
The National Education Union agrees with the Education Select Committee’s conclusion that exams for 2021 must take account of the differential impacts of access to education across the country.
Latest school attendance figures - November
Attendance data from England and Wales confirm the significant role that schools play in virus transmission
Wales exams
Clear decisions of Welsh Government on 2021 exams shows England lagging behind.
NEU urge education minister to let go of GCSEs
The National Education Union has urged the Minister of Education to “let go” of GCSEs as a means of coping with the pandemic and as a way of de-stressing schools from relentless and obsessive testing, tracking, monitoring and assessment.
NEU Cymru welcomes Education Minister’s exam announcement
It is critical that we don’t have a repeat of what happened this summer, which was exceptionally difficult for those who should have been taking exams.
Ofsted Report: November
Chief Inspector recognises the work of school leaders in the face of the pandemic but needs to go further to best stand up for schools.
EPI on Exams in 2021
Education Policy Institute say Gavin Williamson really should have listened sooner on exams next year.
Infection Rates in Schools and Colleges
Drop in rate over half term shows role of schools in transmission.
Petitions Committee: Black history
NEU to speak at Petitions Committee hearing on Black history and the curriculum
New national restrictions for schools
Much of this Government guidance is welcome but more needs to be done to make schools and colleges safe.
NEU Cymru comments on the end of the half-term break
As schools and colleges reopen after half term, health and safety remains the top priority.
Fair Grade 2021 petition hand-in
NEU hands in petition calling for Government action to ensure fairness in 2021 exams
150,000+ support our campaign to close schools and colleges
150,000+ teachers and support staff back the NEU, as we call for Parliament lockdown bill to include schools and colleges
National Tutoring Programme
DfE has opted for a cut price tuition scheme on the cheap.
Close schools in national lockdown
NEU calls for schools and colleges to be closed during 4 week national lockdown
GCSEs and A-Levels: October
The Government's current approach to exams in England is increasingly untenable.
EPI on School attendance rates
With high numbers of pupils and staff having to isolate as a result of Covid cases in their school, Govt decisions are doubling the difficulties faced by disadvantaged children and young people.
NEU calls for an end to holiday hunger
The National Education Union is asking people to support and sign an open letter to the Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, calling upon him to eradicate holiday hunger by providing Free School Meals (FSM) to all children who need them over the school holidays.
Latest Attendance Figures
The latest figures on school absence add to an ever-more compelling argument that Government needs to be vastly more assertive in its efforts to futureproof schools against the effects of Covid outbreaks.
Refusal to Commit to Free School Meals over Holidays
Boris Johnson continues to refuse to commit to Free School Meals in school holidays.
Secondary Schools Moving to a Rota System
NEU asks Gavin Williamson to explore potential of secondary schools moving to a rota system
Free School Meal provision over holidays
Opposition Motion on Free School Meal provision over school holidays
Latest school attendance figures
Latest attendance figures show that the Government urgently needs to look at ways of reducing transmission in schools.
Circuit Breaker for Secondary Schools and Post-16
National Education Union is calling for an urgent circuit breaker to suppress Covid cases
Labour’s call on Free School Meals
NEU supports Labour ultimatum to Government on free school meals
Proposals to tackle child poverty
NEU writes to Prime Minister and Chancellor with proposals to tackle child poverty.
2021 exams
Government announcement on 2021 exams is a dereliction of duty
NAHT: Cancellation of SATs 2021
We welcome the NAHT stand. Teachers and headteachers are now united in their call for cancellation: the Government should listen. Statutory assessment in 2020/1 serves no useful purpose.
Education policy responses to pandemic
EPI report shows disadvantaged children hardest hit by UKs education response to COVID-19
Covid-19 impact on primary schools
UCL research into impact of COVID-19 on primary schools
IPPR report on the future of education
The NEU supports the call that all children should have access to on-site mental health support, including on-site counsellors and interventions to support parental support programmes.
Exams in Scotland
Whereas the English Government still resists committing itself to a full independent review of what went wrong in summer 2020, the report commissioned in Scotland has already been delivered and acted upon.
Boris Johnson's speech
Schools should instead receive tuition money direct and target extra support as they see fit.
October School Attendance
Government action needed to reduce infection rates and provide quick testing for pupils and teachers.
No Government plan for 2021 exams
Government needs to do more to ensure next year's GCSE and A levels are fair to students
Proposal for Awarding Exams Grades in 2021
Five education organisations, representing school leaders, teachers, and governors, have submitted a set of joint proposals to make next summer’s A-levels and GCSEs as fair as possible amidst the ongoing disruption of the Covid pandemic.
Building a Fair Education System After Covid-19
Covid has exposed the fault lines in our current system of assessment and accountability.
Winning in the Workplace after Covid-19
The legacy of the Covid-19 crisis must be that conditions in schools and colleges become better not worse for all of our colleagues.
Covid-19 and Safe Return
Everything that can be done must be done to ensure that schools and colleges remain open wherever possible.
Member survey shows lack of trust in Government
NEU survey shows a complete lack of trust in Government to keep schools open and safe through Covid
Government’s announcement on remote learning
Government support for distance learning for children self-isolating is necessary but not sufficient.
Relationships, Sex and Health Education guidance
NEU Statement on certain clauses in the new Relationships, Sex and Health Education guidance (1st October)
NEU launches interactive School Covid Map website
Today, as part of the next stage of the National Education Union’s campaign to keep our schools and communities safe, we are launching a new website.
Coronavirus: School Closure Data
The Government’s inability to provide what schools need to ensure they remain open for as long as possible is unacceptable and will affect not only children's education, but the wellbeing of staff and students.
Skills and lifelong learning
Major reinvestment is needed to reverse the 50% cuts to adult learning and cuts to college funding, pay and learner entitlements.
Pisa
This report makes for interesting reading. With almost one million children in classes of 31+ even before Covid struck, we know that we need smaller classes and more teachers if we are to avoid huge disruption to pupils' learning because of isolation.
Children’s Commissioner’s Covid Report
The Children’s Commissioner’s report highlights the multiple ways the pandemic has impacted on young people’s lives. Government plans for education must include ensuring that no child is left behind because of poverty.
EPI report on Early Years and Covid
This report by the EPI is further evidence of the deep financial and structural impact the Coronavirus continues to have on the Early Years sector as a whole.
School Attendance Figures
Government must do better on testing and convince parents that schools are Covid-secure to improve attendance.
Keir Starmer speech
NEU welcomes Keir Starmer's call for urgent efforts to close the education gap. To do this we need to end the debilitating poverty that so many families endure.
NEU demands urgent action on testing
NEU tells Government that support for wider opening of schools should not be taken for granted, and demands urgent action on testing
NFER on Initial Teacher Training
The impact of Covid-19 on initial teacher training
IFS Annual Report on school funding
IFS reports largest cuts to England's schools funding in 40 years
Education Support Covid survey
Education Support survey on Covid pressures on schools
Government pay proposals divisive
Government pay proposals for teachers and school leaders in England are “divisive and inadequate”, says joint union statement
PM failure to address school safety
NEU JGSs write to Government to underline urgent safety measures that must be in place to ensure education continues for all pupils.
Education at a Glance
OECD’s annual Education-at-a-Glance report highlights the strain on resources in our schools and colleges.
Ofsted Visits
Ofsted visits in the autumn term will be a distraction for schools rather than a support.
Labour: push back 2021 exams
Labour calls Government to push back 2021 exams to help pupils catch up
Welsh Government face coverings announcement
NEU Cymru notes face coverings announcement in schools and colleges.
Joint unions call for grading inquiry
Education unions make joint call for inquiry into grading fiasco
Boris Johnson and the ‘mutant algorithm’
It is brazen of the Prime Minister to idly shrug away a disaster that his own Government created.
Face Masks in Schools
Government revises its guidance on the wearing of face coverings in schools.
Ofqual Resignation
Resignation of Sally Collier, Chief Regulator of Ofqual
EPI Annual Report
If the Government is serious about ensuring all pupils receive access to a good quality, equitable education they must put their money where their mouth is and put measures in place to lift pupils out of the grip of poverty and disadvantage.
Maintained Nursery Schools
Extension of supplementary funding for Maintained Nursery Schools (MNS) through to summer 2021
Return to school: PHE England report
Report by PHE England and the Chief Medical Officer's comments on the full return of schools and colleges in September
#FairGrade2021 Petition Update
NEU petition calling for action on fixing exams system reaches 25,000 signatures in its first 24 hours.
NEU Cymru launches petition calling for exam fairness in 2021
NEU Cymru has today (20th August) launched a petition with the Welsh Parliament, asking for fairness for students taking exams in 2021.
NEU Cymru comments on GCSE Results
Schools and colleges stepped up in challenging circumstances when exams were cancelled. They have worked tirelessly and professionally to submit grades for their students, based on all the evidence available to them.
GCSE Results 2020
We commend the students and staff who have supported them this year. They have shown great patience throughout the challenges of lockdown and last week's shambolic uncertainty.
Bigger changes needed for 2021
The Joint General Secretaries of the National Education Union have written to Gavin Williamson the Education Secretary, setting out why the disastrous handling of this year’s exam results must never happen again.
NEU Cymru welcomes use of assessed grades in Wales
NEU Cymru hugely welcomes this decision from the Education Minister.
Government U-Turn on Exams
Government forced into U-turn on A-level exam grades.
Northern Ireland teachers’ council accepts teachers' pay offer
Today, the Northern Ireland Teachers’ Council (NITC) – the body which makes up the Teachers’ Side of the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee has announced that it will be accepting the terms of the Pay and Workload Agreement presented to them on 8 April 2020.
A level grades in Wales
NEU Cymru wishes many congratulations to those who have secured expected grades and we trust that the adjustment and appeals processes will be robust enough to deal with all anomalies that may have arisen.
A-Level Results
The politics of results season 2020 has drowned out the most important point - that students must be congratulated for their hard work and patience through a difficult time for the whole nation.
Announcement on last minute changes to A level grades
NEU Cymru comment on Education Minister's announcement on last minute changes to A level grades
Exam Results ‘Triple Lock’
Gavin Williamson has many questions to answer on his exam 'triple lock'.
Scotland exam results
UK now has two different entry systems for UK universities.
Coronavirus: extra £10 million for local transport
NEU Cymru are extremely pleased to see that Welsh Government will be using extra money to support local authorities and local bus operators, including extra money for school and college transport.
EPI school funding analysis
This EPI report hows that the Government is increasing that gap, not closing it, through the way it is distributing its 2020 funding increase, with bigger increases going to those schools with fewer disadvantaged students.
Coronavirus: Ofqual arrangements for GCSEs, AS and A-Levels in 2021
Today's confirmation of business as normal for the content of most subjects next year makes insufficient allowance for the disruption this year and allows no contingency for any further disruption as a result of local or regional lockdowns.
Coronavirus: NEU's position on face masks
The NEU has raised concerns with Government in relation to the wearing of face coverings in schools, and its lack of consistency with guidance on other public places.
Teacher Training
NEU is calling on Government to follow the example of Scotland by centrally employing newly qualified teachers from this September, so that the needs of schools are met and talent is not wasted.
Proposed teachers' pay award
NEU Cymru's evidence to the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body (IWPRB) asked for a 7% pay award for all teachers, and sadly this does not fully do that. We will continue to argue for this.
Coronavirus: Extra £50 million for universities, colleges, and students
NEU Cymru welcomes the Education Minister’s commitment in providing much needed additional funding for universities, colleges and students in response to the economic impact of the coronavirus.
Ofqual Summer Symposium
Results from this year's extraordinary exams process are broadly comparable to previous years’ results, and the majority of students will not be disadvantaged by this year's process.
Public Sector Pay
The NEU asked for a 7% pay rise for all teachers. This increase does not achieve this entirely reasonable ambition.
Coronavirus: Committee report on merger of DfID and FCO
The NEU agrees with the Committee that this rushed decision to merger, taken under cover of the Covid-19 pandemic, is likely to have dire consequences.
School Funding 2021
School funding announced for 2021 doesn't even reach 2010 levels.
School Funding
NEU welcomes Government announcement of additional school funding. But it is important to be clear that this funding does not even replace the budget cuts made since this Government.
Opportunity areas funding
This funding is crucial to help reverse the impact of the coronavirus on education in those areas.
Parentkind survey
Survey shows parents are placing far greater trust in school leaders than Government.
NFER report on learning during Covid-19
National Foundation for Educational Research analysis looks at the differences in the cost of learning during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Calculated grades
Education Committee report on calculated grades
Survivors’ TPS victory
Victory on survivors’ pensions rights in Teachers' Pension Scheme
Coronavirus: Full opening of schools in September
NEU Cymru have commented on Education Minister’s statement regarding full opening of schools in September.
Srebrenica Genocide
This week marks the 25th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide in which over 8,000 Muslim men and boys were murdered.
Coronavirus: Gavin Williamson's speech on FE
Ambitious proposals to regenerate the further education sector are welcome. The devil of course will be in the detail and we will need to see what is in the White Paper in September.
Coronavirus: Investment in education
NEU Cymru welcomes an increase to the workforce. We believe that supply staff and those new to the profession will welcome the opportunity to provide extra support for those pupils who need it at this challenging time.
Legislation to support the new Curriculum in Wales
Our members have always welcomed the principles behind the new Curriculum. It is an opportunity for Wales to ensure that children have an opportunity to learn a curriculum with wellbeing at its heart.
Coronavirus: National School’s categorisation system
NEU Cymru welcomes suspension of the categorisation system. It is important that safety is a focus ahead of September.
Food Insecurity
Lords' report on food poverty and insecurity.
Coronavirus: Ofqual consultation on exams and assessments
The NEU is seriously concerned about the minimal suggestions made in Ofqual’s proposals for exams in summer 2021.
Coronavirus: Guidance for Schools in September
School leaders need clear guidance based on scientific evidence, but instead they are confronted by a Government which is rushing through ideas that seem more based on hope than on science.
Coronavirus: Sutton Trust on Nurseries
The Sutton Trust briefing on Early Years is further confirmation of what the NEU has been warning for quite some time – maintained nursery schools (MNS) and the Early Years sector are in financial crisis.
Coronavirus: Maintained Nursery School Funding
Education experts call for Downing Street to prioritise Maintained Nursery School funding.
Coronavirus: FAQs on NEU NI school restart programme
Advice from the Department of Education, Northern Ireland guidance on School Restart Programme, including responses to the questions asked by NEU members at the recent Zoom meeting.
Coronavirus: Summer holidays letter
NEU Cymru have written to the Minister for Education, Welsh Government calling for local authorities to be funded to make a summer holiday local offer available to children and young people.
School Buildings
NEU's welcomes the Government’s commitment to maintaining school buildings. There are currently 3,731 school buildings in urgent need of immediate repair.
Coronavirus: Baseline assessment delay
The National Education Union welcomes the decision not to implement reception baseline assessment in September.
Coronavirus: One million pupils in classes of 31-plus
Today’s data show the proportion of pupils in class sizes of 31+ now stands at 13.4% across primary and secondary. This accounts for almost 1 million children, a shocking figure.
Coronavirus: Plans to scrap social distancing in schools
Leaks of proposals for school re-opening in September are not helpful. Schools and parents need to see from Government a clearly thought-out plan outlining the scientific reasoning behind a return for all pupils.
Liz Truss and the Gender Recognition Act
The National Education Union is deeply concerned by the recent comments made by the Women and Equalities Minister Liz Truss which have caused unnecessary distress and anxiety for trans and non-binary workers.
Coronavirus: Schools restart in Northern Ireland
A joint letter of agreement has been agreed and issued further to the announcement confirming that as a consequence of the current exceptional circumstances, the start of the academic year 20/21 will be from week commencing 17 August 2020.
Social Distancing Reduced to 1 Metre
The NEU is of course in favour of all children being back in school, but even with a one-metre rule that will need more teachers and more spaces.
Curriculum and anti-racism letter
NEU Cymru have written to the Minister for Education, Welsh Government to express deep concerns about the injustices and racial disparities that have been highlighted by the virus and by the horrific events of brutality against black people in the United States.
Coronavirus: Issues surrounding wider opening of schools
NEU Cymru clarifies issues surrounding wider opening of schools.
Coronavirus: Schools in September
The Prime Minister's hopes are not enough. He needs a plan for more teachers, to ask teachers who have left the profession to return, and he needs to be finding extra spaces in which they can teach smaller groups.
Violation of workers’ rights at seven-year high
Violations of workers’ rights are at a seven-year high, according to the newly released 2020 ITUC Global Rights Index.
Additional funding for schools
£1 billion additional funding for schools: Covid-19
Coronavirus: Funding for 2020 Summer holiday local offer
NEU launches call for funding for Local Government to co-ordinate 2020 Summer holiday offer for children and young people.
Fred Jarvis, CBE dies at the age of 95
Fred Jarvis, CBE - trade unionist and former General Secretary of the NUT dies at the age of 95.
Free school meals for children and young people
Government to provide free school meals for children and young people over the summer holidays.
Coronavirus - flexibility for primary schools
Department for Education to encourage head teachers to invite back more primary pupils before summer
Urgent action to tackle racism
NEU has today written to the Prime Minister with 5 recommendations for urgent action to tackle racism.
Free School Meals
The Government is seriously out of touch if it can't see that many families will need support with food.
Coronavirus - NFER on Remote Learning
The NFER report shows that a quarter of pupils have limited access to IT at home. Gavin Williamson confirmed in the Commons last week that only around half of requests for the Government’s free laptop scheme for disadvantaged students have so far been met.
NEU welcomes Rev. Jesse Jackson to Black Lives Matter solidarity webinar
The National Education is proud to host an exclusive Black Lives Matter solidarity webinar, with guests including the Reverend Jesse Jackson Snr, and Diane Abbott MP, on Monday 15 June at 3pm.
Coronavirus: National Education Recovery Plan
The National Education Union has today written to the Prime Minister outlining its proposals for a National Education Recovery Plan.
Black Lives Matter
Urgent action is needed to address widespread stereotyping, discrimination and the fear and violence caused by racism.
Coronavirus: Welsh Government guidance on schools' wider opening
NEU Cymru welcomes Welsh Government guidance on schools' wider opening.
Public Accounts Committee report on UTCs
This report vindicates the NEU’s longstanding concerns about UTCs. Significant resources have been ploughed into the programme despite serious flaws in the model and its poor record.
Coronavirus: Official Statistics on Wider Opening
The figures released show what a very long way the Government has to go to convince the nation’s parents and teachers that a wider opening of schools is safe.
Coronavirus: Primary Schools
The government’s social distancing rules made it impossible for primary schools to admit all pupils before the summer holidays. Primary schools and secondary schools will not re-open to all pupils until September at the earliest.
Unions set out five tests Government and colleges must meet
Trade unions set out five tests Government and colleges must meet before staff and students can return.
Fenton Review into Covid-19
The NEU calls on the Government and Public Health England to develop urgent advice on the issues of greater health risk identified in the Fenton Review.
IPPR on rise in child poverty
It is deeply alarming that in an already parlous situation, this report forecasts that an enormous number of children will be thrown into poverty by Christmas.
Coronavirus: Too much too soon
The Minister’s statement in which she has opened schools to all year groups with effect from 29 June does not sit well with NEU Cymru. It is too much, too soon.
NEU survey shows realities of wider opening
Respondents to a survey conducted by the National Education Union between 31 May and 1 June, reveals the pragmatism of schools when asked to open more widely under easing of lockdown.
NEU statement on the killing of George Floyd
The NEU sends its solidarity to the family and friends mourning George Floyd. We condemn the systemic racism that caused George's death and we support the urgent demands for justice for George Floyd, for his family and his community.
Stop wider 1 June school reopening
NEU calls on Government to step back from the brink and stop wider 1 June school reopening
Special Schools Survey
Serious questions about safety remain unanswered.
Wider Opening of Schools
We are not saying only go back when it is 100% safe. But meet your own tests, produce evidence, and return when the time is right.
Final report of Independent SAGE on Schools
This latest report casts yet more doubt and concern over the Prime Minister’s decision to press ahead with a 1 June wider opening for schools.
Safety guidelines not being met in significant numbers of schools
A snapshot survey of 4,016 members of the National Education Union, reveals continued problems with health and safety even before wider opening.
PM on wider opening of schools
Prime Minister's COVID briefing confirming wider re-opening of schools June 1st
SAGE advice published
Today, two months since lockdown was introduced, the Government has finally granted access to some of the scientific modelling behind its proposal for schools to open more widely from June 1.
Independent SAGE on schools
Independent SAGE set two crucial conditions for the safe wider opening of schools: low levels of Coronavirus in the community, and a robust track and trace system.
Track and Trace
Prime Minister responds to concerns on track and trace operation before the wider opening of schools during PMQs.
Educational gap survey
IFS survey: Educational gaps during lockdown
Wider opening of schools: update
Gavin Williams COVID briefing - re wider opening of schools update
Coronavirus: No date set for opening schools in Wales
NEU Cymru welcomes no date set for opening schools in Wales. Like everyone, we want learners to be back in their classrooms. But not until it is safe to do so.
NEU talks with Government’s scientific advisers
We are pleased that Sir Patrick Vallance, Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government on Covid-19 has told the NEU that information and papers from SAGE would be published and that they will prioritise its release.
The science on schools
It's really important that we are absolutely clear what the level of safety is and if it remains the case that we believe it to be unsafe, we will not back the wider opening of schools.
Councils need the power to close schools
LGA need to give Councils power to close schools and nurseries when clusters of Covid-19 cases emerge.
Education unions’ statement on the safe reopening of schools
Unions with members in the education sector are today (Wednesday) publishing a joint statement on the safe reopening of schools.
Over 1000 councillors write to Gavin Williamson
1,173 local authority councillors from across England have signed the NEU Councillors letter to Gavin Williamson.
Parents’ views on lockdown and school safety
Poll of over 1,000 parents, commissioned for NEU, shows support for lockdown measures since March.
Government guidance on lockdown
The NEU is advising our school leader members today that we are in no position to start planning for wider opening yet.
New research raises concerns about wider reopening of schools
These studies raise real concerns about the impact that a wider re-opening of schools would have on the rate of Covid 19 transmission and its incidence in families.
Members survey on Prime Minister's roadmap
49k NEU members in one hour respond to survey giving a resounding NO to Prime Ministers roadmap for school reopening.
Phased return of schools
Prime Minister’s announcement on return of schools is nothing short of reckless.
Coronavirus, Pupils and Schools
NEU report: Coronavirus, Pupils and Schools: Unanswered Questions
Coronavirus: Schools will not open more widely in Wales
NEU Cymru welcomes the announcement that schools will NOT open more widely on 1 June.
NEU petition nears 350,000 signatures
On the eve of Sage meeting at which lockdown measures will be reviewed, NEU petition demanding schools re-open only when safe to do so nears 350,000 signatures.
NEU and Parentkind write to Gavin Williamson
NEU and Parentkind sign a joint letter to the Education Secretary to express concerns about the re-opening of schools.
Public accounts committee on support for SEND pupils
As the Public Accounts Committee report makes clear, the Government approach on support has let SEND children down. Covid-19 means we have to put children's learning needs and interests at the heart of the offer in the classroom.
EPI on disadvantaged pupils
As schools re-integrate more students back on site over the next months the focus needs to be on healthy transitions which support engagement with learning and not on catching up to some government-mandated trajectory.
NEU Covid 19 survey
NEU snapshot survey of over 2,000 school staff shows significant concerns about effectiveness of present social-distancing measures in schools.
Coronavirus: Unions warn against premature reopening of schools
The General Secretaries of 10 teacher trade unions across the UK and Ireland have written to the Education Ministers in all 5 jurisdictions urging “significant caution in any consideration of reopening schools.
Sutton Trust on A-Levels
Research by Sutton Trust’s suggests young people believe cancellation of A-Levels will damage their chances in university applications.
5 Tests for Government before schools can re-open
NEU has launched 5 tests for Government before schools can re-open. We believe that these test must be capable of being passed in order to create the necessary confidence amongst parents and staff.
NEU members win case against grade inflation
NEU members win case against accusations of Key Stage 1 and 2 grade inflation by the Diocese of Westminster Academy Trust.
Gavin Williamson and the Education Select Committee
We were relieved to hear confirmation from the Education Secretary that schools and colleges will not be returning during the summer holidays. Lockdown is not a holiday.
Coronavirus: Safety is top priority in opening schools
For our members, parents and learners themselves, staying safe at this difficult time is critical. We look forward to hearing more details from the Welsh Government in the coming weeks.
Coronavirus: Education Minister sets out five key principles for schools’ return
NEU Cymru has welcomed the announcement by the Education Minister, setting out the conditions under which schools in Wales will reopen. The union agrees that the safety of staff and students alike is paramount.
Letter to Gavin Williamson on behalf of supply members
NEU joint general secretaries have written to the education secretary Gavin Williamson about issues affecting supply staff during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Children at Risk During Lockdown
We welcome the data the Office of the Children’s Commissioner (OCC) has collated to enable good local responses to supporting vulnerable children.
Ofqual plan for Vocational and Technical Qualifications
The NEU welcomes Ofqual’s announcement today on the regulatory arrangements for awarding this summer’s Vocational and Technical Qualifications (VTQs).
Testing for teachers and school staff
NEU welcomes Government's announcement that practical steps will be taken to test school staff for Covid-19. It is essential that staff who are self-isolating at home get immediate access to the test.
Changes to Free School Meals guidance
NEU Cymru welcomes the Welsh Government’s revised guidance today. Our members will be heartened to see that the Welsh Government is thinking about those children most in need of support.
Press release - Remote learning
Some pupils will need much more individual support than is possible, and many will need support for their wellbeing before any meaningful learning can take place.
Minister focuses on wellbeing in latest statement
We're pleased the Education Minister has focused on wellbeing in launching this policy statement. Like the Minister says, the wellbeing and safety of learners and education professionals alike is centrally important at this difficult time.
Over 80,000 sign NEU petition
Over 80,000 have signed the NEU petition to "open schools when it is safe" and the number continues to grow.
Extra money for mental health services
Extra £1.25 million for school counselling services will be invaluable to support the anticipated increase in need for mental health services as a result of social distancing and school shut down measures.
Letter to PM on school opening
In the light of speculation on the re-opening of schools and colleges, the joint General Secretaries of the National Education Union have called on the Prime minister for clarity on how the Government will make such a decision.
Ofqual: Vocational and Technical Qualifications
One form of assessment will not fit all, and more detail is required.
Guidance on social distancing at work
NEU Cymru welcomes the Welsh Government plans to ensure social distancing in the workplace. These are challenging times, and it is right that we try and keep those in work as safe as possible.
School closure policies
The UCL review indicates that school closures are effective as part of a combination of tactics. Schools can only open safely on the basis of sound scientific reasoning. We are a long way from this point.
New Shadow Education Secretary announced
NEU comments on the appointment of Rebecca Long-Bailey as Shadow Education Secretary.
NEU launches microsite for parents and carers
The coronavirus microsite provides advice and recommends resources to parents to support home learning.
Free School Meals available over the Easter Holidays
We are pleased to see that Government has listened to the NEU and others who have asked for FSM to be available throughout the holidays.
Home schooling and the educational divide
The Social Mobility Foundation highlights inequalities in families' home learning environments.
BBC Education Service
In a time of crisis it is welcome that the BBC is not just informing and entertaining, but remembering the other part of their original mission statement: to educate.
Summer 2020 grades for GCSE, AS and A level
We are pleased that the Department for Education and Ofqual both recognise the professionalism of teachers. Exams are not the only way to assess someone’s ability.
Coronavirus: Joint covid-19 advice Wales
Today four education unions, NEU, ASCL, NAHT and UCAC have issued joint coronavirus advice to their members calling for mutual respect, understanding and support.
Coronavirus crisis - Joint union advice on COVID-19 Wales
During this time of crisis school leaders, teachers and support staff are doing essential work – caring for the children of key workers and vulnerable children in Wales.
Funding for free school meals over Easter holidays
Free school meals over the Easter period is going to be useful for those families. We know that Welsh Government has put extra money into this, and it is welcome.
National Voucher Scheme for Free School Meals
DfE covering all costs for schools supplying free school meals at school and home.
Agencies must support supply staff in education sector
Analysis of the available Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme guidance strongly indicates that supply staff will be covered within it.
NEU issues guidance on distance learning
The NEU guidance on distance learning out today makes very clear what should be acceptable levels of workload. Normal education is currently suspended, and teachers should not be teaching a full timetable, or routinely marking work.
Coronavirus crisis - joint union advice on COVID-19
The Covid-19 crisis means that school leaders, teachers and support staff are working in new situations and new ways in order to meet the challenges they face every day.
Action for supply teachers
Supply teachers, agency teaching assistants and others working in the education sector must have proper financial stability, on a genuine like-for-like with their directly-employed counterparts.
NEU Cymru comments on schools staying open
We’re glad that the Welsh Government plan to work with us as a union. We’ve been putting forward our members’ concerns and will continue to do so.
Coronavirus: Keeping staff and young people safe in schools and colleges
We know many of our members will be worried, so need strong and clear advice to schools, to back up the head teachers, who are having to choose which young people can be in schools.
Safety in schools during coronavirus outbreak
Our priority as a union is to our members and the children and young people they work with. We are concerned that Government advice for schools is not currently strong enough.
OECD Talis survey 2018
TALIS shows us that under normal circumstances, teachers are overworked, stressed and looking to leave the profession.
Coronavirus: School attendance
Schools should only remain open to those whose parents are key workers. The vast majority of children should stay at home. This is the safest place for them.
NEU Cymru welcomes sensible approach on exams
We expect the Welsh Government and Qualifications Wales to work with the profession, to fine-tune the detail of this approach.
Testing of education staff
The National Education Union has called for testing of education staff to be made an urgent priority in efforts to tackle coronavirus.
Exams
We welcome this announcement from Government. Evidence shows teacher-assessed grades are reliable and valid.
Parents asked to follow Government advice
It is vitally important that parents follow Government advice and keep their children at home where possible.
Key workers
This is a very long list and could result in some schools having the majority of pupils attending. This will not achieve the goal of slowing the spread of the virus.
NEU Cymru says time to be sensible over exams
NEU Cymru statement on school closures in Wales.
Closure of Schools
We welcome the Government’s announcement that, for public health reasons, schools will now close.
NEU Cymru welcomes school closures in Wales
We welcome the Education Minister’s announcement to close schools from Friday. We are pleased that Wales is the first UK nation to take this practical and pragmatic approach.
NEU Cymru asks for closure of schools and colleges
NEU has written to the Prime Minister asking that he close all schools and colleges, and we are hoping that the this will be the same for Wales.
Ofsted suspends inspections
This announcement is as welcome as it is overdue. Schools are operating in extraordinary circumstances and must be able to focus on what is essential.
Estyn Suspends Activities in Wales
Scotland and Wales have shown England the way. It is unacceptable for Ofsted inspections to be taking place at a time of national emergency.
Annual conference 2020 cancelled
Today the NEU’s National Officers have made the decision to cancel annual conference, due to take place in Bournemouth 6-9 April.
Coronavirus - school closure policy
Why aren’t schools closing if mass gatherings are to be suspended?
OFSTED should cease inspections
As COVID-19 spreads, schools need to focus on what is important.
Coronavirus school closure update
NEU calling for school closures "at least for some time and at least in some areas"
Budget 2020
The Government knows that lack of funding is putting schools and colleges under great pressure. This budget does not support a long term plan for the millions of young people being educated within a chronically underfunded system.
EPI on school funding
Government needs to listen to the evidence. Our schools and colleges are simply not being given the funding they need to deliver the education every parent child and young person expects.”
NEU Cymru members pause Caerleon Comprehensive strike action
The strike action is paused and next steps depend on the nature of discussions.
Budget
The Government’s pledge last year to increase school funding fell short of the £12.6 billion we estimate is needed to replace the cuts made since 2015. Schools and colleges continue to fall into disrepair, and at the present rate it will take several decades to rebuild them all.
Sixth day of strike action in over 30 sixth form colleges
National Education Union members working in 34 Sixth Form Colleges will be taking strike action on Tuesday 10 March in response to the impact of funding cuts in their sector.
EPI on Technical Education
If Government is serious about the importance of technical education then it must learn from this challenging report.
Teachers at Colfe’s independent school to strike tomorrow
Teachers at Colfe’s School, Greenwich, have voted for strike action on Wednesday 4 March over proposals by their employer to withdraw from the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS), the pension provider to the vast majority of teachers in England and Wales.
Spread of coronavirus
Schools have an important role to play, but we are concerned about suggestions in recent days that larger class sizes will be recommended for indefinite periods.
EPI on teacher supply and disadvantages schools
As the EPI report itself notes, teacher recruitment and retention problems are widespread and severe. The proposals in the EPI report for yet further fragmentation of pay will cause more problems.
NEU joins civil society groups in demanding social and environmental protection
Following the publication of the UK’s negotiation objectives this week, the NEU has joined with other UK trade unions, environmental organisations and health and human rights groups to call for an EU-UK trade deal based on rights, justice and sustainability.
Petition hand-in to defend maintained nursery schools
Ahead of the Budget, a coalition of organisations acting in defence of maintained nursery schools will be handing in a 25,000-signature petition to the Prime Minister at Downing street.
Behaviour Support
This announcement is silent about the pressures on disadvantaged schools, where more teachers are leaving. Heads and teachers are only too acutely aware of what they want to do more of in order to support students, but they can't because of funding and staffing cuts.
Baseline assessment to become statutory in September
The DfE has satisfied itself about the technical validity of the tests, but is completely incurious about the effects of Baseline Assessment on the educational experience of four year-olds.
Further Education funding
The system is broken. Colleges are financially struggling, with staff numbers decimated. We need money for staff: parity with schools would require a £7000 pay catch-up for FE college teachers.
Sixth form college strike rally
London march and rally marking fifth day of strike action in over 30 sixth form colleges.
NEU welcomes improvements to teacher workload and pay
The National Education Union (NEU) has welcomed action by the Northern Education Trust (NET) academy chain to improve teacher workload and pay.
School Admissions
Sutton Trust research on school admissions finds social segregation has lasting effects and is letting down pupils and communities.
Baseline research launched
New research into Baseline testing shows a lack of trust amongst teachers.
Sixth form college strike rally
London march and rally marking fifth day of strike action in over 30 sixth form colleges
Pay survey results 2020
Teacher pay survey shows that 63% of teachers have considered leaving the profession due to pay concerns.
Letter to the Prime Minister
National Education Union, has written to the Prime Minister about the hiring of Andrew Sabisky
Unions criticise government’s pay proposals
Four education unions are warning that government pay proposals would short-change most classroom teachers and all senior leaders.
NEU Cymru welcomes extra funding for FE
National Education Union Cymru welcomes the£23m extra money for Further Education (FE) in Wales.
New National Air Quality Guidance
The British Lung Foundation (BLF) and the National Education Union (NEU) has produced guidance with support from Living Streets, the UK charity behind the National Walk to School campaign.
Teachers strike calls for Newport change of heart
National Education Union Cymru and NASUWT members to take strike action on Wednesday 12 February.
Striking tomorrow in sixth form colleges
34 sixth form colleges will be taking strike action on Wednesday 12 February in response to the impact of funding cuts in their sector.
NEU backs #PauseOfsted campaign
As the union with the second largest leadership membership, the NEU supports Ethical Leadership and call on members who are additional inspectors to stop working for Ofsted.
Government Announcement on Funding
The Government’s rhetoric is excellent, it is a pity the reality for the vast majority of schools does not match it.
Children’s Mental Health
The findings of this report are further evidence of the chronic underfunding of children’s mental health services and the lack of available support for so many children and young people who need it.
NFER on Teacher Autonomy
Teachers and school leaders need to have the ability to judge what is best for the children and young people they teach.
New Curriculum in Wales
NEU Cymru welcome more details on the new Curriculum.
Teacher Mental Health
There is no doubt that the excessive demands upon education staff and the poor working practices they endure in schools and colleges are helping create a toxic work environment, leading to mental ill-health among both teachers and support staff.
Gender gap in foreign languages- EPI report
While schools do a great deal to provide all students with a broad and balanced curriculum, as this report shows, gender continues to shape the subjects chosen by pupils at GCSE.
Serious Fraud Office inquiry
NEU calls for Serious Fraud Office inquiry into Collective Spirit Free School and Manchester Creative Studio School.
Sutton Trust on Social Mobility
The impact of poverty on children's confidence about their future can't be reversed within schools unless we generate economic and cultural opportunities in the communities where young people live.
Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) findings
The NEU supports the conclusion of the authors of this volume that “expanding the number of grammar schools is unlikely to increase levels of educational or social mobility in this country”.
More Than A Score assessment survey
More Than A Score /YouGov publishes survey findings of parents' views on too much testing in schools.
NEU Cymru on Minister’s RE and RSE plans.
Our members do not believe it is right for any child to miss out on these important areas of learning, and support the Minister's plan to discontinue the parental right to withdraw their children from RE and RSE.
Ofsted Annual Report
Ofsted has neither the personnel, the expertise nor the experience, to operate its new curriculum-focused inspection framework fairly, so that reliable results are made on schools and colleges.
Department for Education proposals for teacher pay
The Government’s approach will create new problems. All teachers deserve a pay increase that will make a significant start in restoring the real terms cuts to their pay since 2010.
STRB submission 2020
Teacher Pay – NEU evidence to the School Teachers' Review Body (STRB) calls for 7% increase for all teachers in England.
The state of girls’ rights in the UK
We support Plan International’s call for a remodelling of education, one that puts gender equality and social and emotional learning at it’s heart.
Free Period Products in Schools and Colleges
Period poverty forces girls to miss out on vital time in school. In 2018, over 137,000 children missed school because of their period.
EPI on the Early Years Workforce
Government should learn the lesson of this report: serious change begins with funding, and with a sustained programme to improve workforce qualifications.
EPI on CAMHS
The EPI report makes for alarming reading and chimes with the concerns raised by our members.
Ofsted 'stuck' schools report
Fear of Ofsted is a key factor in school leader and teacher flight from these schools. Ofsted is, unfortunately part of the problem, not the solution.
NEU comments on the Queen’s Speech
The Queen’s Speech failed to address the challenges facing education.
Ofsted's five-year strategy
Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union comments on the publication of Ofsted’s five-year strategy for delivering “its mission of improving the lives of children and young people”.
Further education bodies call for Budget investment
In a joint letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, ten bodies representing further education staff, students and providers have called for extra funding to ensure a “stable and well-resourced further education sector” which can meet different needs and ambitions.
General Election Result
The NEU reacts to the result of the 2019 General Election.
Vote today
Today we have an historic opportunity to shape the future for all our young people.
Child Poverty Poll
NEU poll shows majority of teachers worried that yet more children in their school will be hungry and cold this Christmas.
Chronic lack of investment in school buildings
New analysis by the National Education Union shows that the inadequacy of the Government schools building programme.
NFER report on T Levels
NFER is right that there has to be a concerted effort to raise awareness about the new T Level awards, particularly around the uncertainty about progression routes.
Free schools policy
NEU research reveals staggering cost and failure rate of the free schools policy.
Vote Education, Value Education
NEU Cymru believes the election provides a chance for real change
Super Saturdays – Week 5
With education now ranking as the third biggest electoral issue among parents, our fifth and final weekend of General Election events will take place in the North East, Cumbria and Yorkshire.
EPI on Education Manifestos
The focus on early years education is particularly welcome. Like the EPI, the union believes that the development of a larger educational workforce, with higher levels of training and qualification, is essential to a programme of early years reform.
Sutton Trust on GCSE Reforms
The Sutton Trust is right to say that the new GCSE reforms have a negative impact on students.
Do the party pledges cut It?
The School Cuts website has been updated to reflect what the manifestos mean for every school in England.
Labour Investment for Education
The plan outlined by Labour will address the years of underfunding and allow schools to heal and to plan improvements, increasing SEND support, supporting teachers and other staff, capping class sizes and improving our school buildings.
Wales PISA results
Pisa offers some bench marking against other countries but it is only one measure of performance.
Pisa England Results
Pisa findings should be a wake-up call to the Government that its polices are taking education in England in the wrong direction.
Shelter report reveals 135,000 children without a home
This survey is an indictment of the child homelessness which austerity is causing. It’s a national disgrace that 1.5 million children are forecast to fall into poverty between 2010 and 2020/21.
Pisa Results
OECD tells top performing countries in Pisa 2018 that they have a long way to go in improving students’ social and emotional outcomes.
Conservative plans for Ofsted
The NEU comments on latest Conservative Ofsted pledge.
Initial Teacher Training 2019
Initial Teacher Training recruitment figures in England - 2019 to 2020 released today, show that the Government has failed to recruit enough trainee teachers, based on its own targets.
Super Saturdays – Week 4
Our latest wave of weekend events visits the north west, south west and west midlands to raise awareness about education during this General Election.
NEU parents poll
New parent poll shows education rising to third biggest issue in General Election.
Labour’s Race and Faith Manifesto
Tackling the under-representation of BME teachers is one very important step in addressing the issue of racism in society. The NEU welcomes the proposal for a new Emancipation Educational Trust.
New Ofsted Framework
NEU has released guidance advising members of their rights during “brutal” Ofsted inspections. The guidance advises members on their contractual responsibilities in light of the new framework.
NEU state of school and college buildings survey
This survey highlights the challenges facing schools and colleges in ensuring their buildings are well maintained and provide a safe and decent environment for teaching and learning.
Conservative Manifesto
The Conservative manifesto reveals £340m of further cuts to school budgets in 2023/24. A generation of pupils have missed out on opportunities because of austerity, and for many it has trapped them in poverty. This election is about much more than Brexit.
Super Saturdays – Week 3
Our third week of Super Saturdays, raising awareness of school cuts and other education issues, will visit the midlands and south-east regions of the UK.
Labour Party Manifesto
The NEU asked each party to value education and make pledges on funding and the Labour party has met our tests. Labour’s manifesto demonstrates an understanding that schools alone cannot counter the drastic and long-lasting impacts of poverty and class inequality in wider society.
School Cuts welcomes Labour funding
A coalition of education unions has today welcomed Labour’s manifesto commitment to reverse all cuts to school budgets and to make a once-in-a-generation investment in education.
Liberal Democrats Manifesto
NEU welcomes the the Liberal Democrats commitment to abolish primary SATs testing. These tests, beloved of the Government, cause enormous stress and narrowing of the curriculum – they do not produce useful information for teachers.
NEU members poll on child poverty
In a snapshot poll of National Education Union members, the growth of child poverty and its visibility within schools and colleges is laid bare.
Government Fire Safety
Government’s “shameful” record on fire safety must end, says joint unions' letter
Liberal Democrats Education Pledges
The NEU welcomes the Liberal Democrats’ commitment to reverse school cuts and the recognition that teachers’ pay needs to rise.
Green Party Manifesto
The Green Party’s pledge to end centrally-imposed testing and Ofsted inspections is a welcome recognition of the pressures high-stakes accountability places on schools, narrowing the curriculum and driving teachers out of the profession.
Labour pledges on poverty
Teachers and support staff work on the front line of child poverty and witness its devastating effects every day. Labour’s proposed policies on reserving the effects of austerity offers hope to millions of children and their families currently trapped in poverty’s grip.
More than 30 sixth form colleges on strike Wednesday
National Education Union members working in 34 sixth form colleges will be taking a day of strike action on Wednesday 20 November to demand more funding for their students and their colleges.
SEND provision poll results
Government heavily criticised in new NEU poll about SEND provision. It should be a point of shame for the Government that so few education staff believe it is up to the task of providing for SEND pupils.
Super Saturdays – Week 2
The NEU’s Super Saturdays are an opportunity for parents, teachers, school staff and all who are interested or concerned about education, to come together find out more about the challenges facing schools and colleges.
Class sizes
NEU class size analysis shows a rise in 474 England constituencies since 2010
New Wales Curriculum
The new Curriculum is a huge step change for education here in Wales, but more detail is clearly needed on the Progression Steps and assessment arrangements.
Welsh schools need a national plan for Music
Creativity is at the heart of the plans for the new Curriculum, so members’ concerns about music in schools needs to be taken seriously.
Post 16 colleges funding in Wales
Years of underfunding have seen the post 16 sector in Wales suffer from restructuring. It is sad to hear members’ experiences which suggest they are not valued.”
Use of unqualified staff
Wales’s largest education union has concerns over the continued and growing use of teaching assistants, including Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) and cover supervisors being used to teach classes both on a long- and short-term basis.
Greater action needed on teacher workload
The National Education Union Cymru also feels that there can be no real progress in reducing teacher workload until the high level of teacher accountability is dropped.
Staff wellbeing must be a priority
The cutting back of teaching assistants and teachers in many schools have exacerbated workload issues which has led to a marked increase in stress and mental health issues in teachers.
School funding in Wales
The National Education Union Cymru is also concerned that Welsh MPs, and the Secretary of State for Wales in particular, don’t see it as their job to approach Westminster to ask for more money for Education in Wales.
Violence and threats of violence towards education employees
The level of violence and abusive behaviour against our members is an issue. Aggressive behaviour, including physical attacks and verbal abuse towards school staff and leaders occur across Wales and the causes of this needs to be addressed.
Regional consortia positive impact on schools
Wales’s largest education union believes that there is not enough evidence of Regional Consortia having a positive impact on schools in terms of improving standards for pupils.
Impact of austerity on schools
Wales’ largest education union has called on the office of the Secretary of State for Wales to publish proposals for rectifying the harm that has been inflicted upon Wales, its public services and education in particular as a result of the Conservatives’ austerity programme.
General Election - more than brexit
This election has to be about more than Brexit. The future of schools and education is at stake on 12 December.
Support for mental health education professionals
Wales’s largest education union has called for the Welsh Government to introduce legislation to require all Welsh Unitary Authorities to introduce a mental health charter that protects employees by tackling the root causes of work-related mental health problems.
Most vulnerable youngsters at serious risk due to austerity
Wales’s largest education union has called on the Welsh Government to support the rights of every child to a fully funded and equal education.
Liberal Democrats on Lifelong Learning
NEU welcomes the commitment to empower people to develop new skills so that they can thrive in the UK’s technology and industry sectors.
Labour Plans for Adult Learning
We need to address how education gives adults and young people the skills and knowledge needed for the modern world.
Early Years - Labour
Labour Party policy on Early Years Education
Labour Party policy on early years education
The fight against disadvantage begins in the early years, and Labour’s policies recognise this.
Super Saturdays
During the General Election the National Education Union will be holding a series of Super Saturday events explaining the facts about education funding.
Constituency school funding
Underfunding of schools in England, listed by constituency.
Making news toolkit for schools
The National Education Union Cymru will launch the ‘Making News Toolkit for Schools’ online resource to its members at their Annual Conference in Newport on 9 November.
Strikes in sixth form colleges
National Education Union members working in 25 Sixth Form Colleges will be taking their second day of strike action on Tuesday 5 November to defend their pay, working conditions and employment.
Early Years Funding
We are pleased the Government has bowed to pressure from parents and educators by extending funding for maintained nursery schools for a further two terms.
Value Education, Vote Education
There is a huge choice for education at this election. When casting their vote, we will ensure that parents, teachers, school leaders and the general public are in full possession of the facts, not the spin.
School and college building repairs
Today’s announcement by Government to invest £400m in the repair of school and college buildings in England is too little, too late.
Review into cost of schooling
National Education Union Cymru welcomes the review into cost of schooling
Education Committee on SEND
Education Committee publishes report on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
NEU Cymru- Teachers' pay
NEU Cymru welcomes announcement on teachers' pay
Education Policy Institute on Free Schools
This report is an important reminder of the reality behind the Government’s rhetoric on free schools.
Weapons in Schools
Schools form just one part of a multi-agency approach to reducing youth crime and the exposure of young people to violence, and those agencies all need support.
Sixth form colleges strike and rally
NEU members working in Sixth Form Colleges will be taking strike action on Thursday 17 October to defend their pay, working conditions and employment.
Settled status
Teaching unions general secretaries write to the Secretary of State for Education to express concerns over school places after Brexit.
False funding claims
Government’s false claims in Queen’s Speech.
School Cuts updated funding figures
More than 16,500 schools losing out under new cash allocations for April 2020.
Initial analysis of school cash allocations shows a strong link with deprivation
Following the release of the national funding formulae allocations for 2020/21, we are taking a close look at what this means for schools.
DfE Teacher Workload
It is good that teachers are spending less time on marking and planning, but the numbers for time spent on data collection are still stubbornly high.
School Funding Allocations
The Government continues to try to pull the wool over the public’s eyes about the reality of school funding. They have to triple count monies to get to their claim that there is £14bn more in schools.
Unexplained Pupil Exits
Sixty-nine thousand unexplained pupil exits from schools is a shocking figure and one which the Government needs to address.
Children’s University
What schools need most is to be adequately funded. Challenging schools to do more with even less resource is not the answer.
SEND court case
The National Education Union will continue to stand in solidarity with SEND Action and fight to ensure that all children with SEND have access to the provision they deserve.
Gavin Williamson speech
Gavin Williamson must get the Treasury to find the money to save the maintained nursery sector. Even after the announcement of an additional £400m in April 2020, they still have £1.1bn less in real terms than in 2010.
School Funding: 4 in 5 schools worse off under Government spending plans, finds new analysis
New figures, released today by the School Cuts coalition, reveal that four in five of England’s schools will be worse off next year than they were in 2015.
Phonics
NEU comments on Government's release of Phonics Check statistics.