Sutton Trust report on exams
Sutton Trust report shows continuing impact of pandemic on this year's exams
Press release
Cost of School Uniforms Squeeze Family Finances during Cost-of-Living Crisis
NEU Northern Ireland calls for review of cost of school uniforms during once in a generation cost-of-living crisis.
Education unions condemn botched teacher pay award
Joint unions express grave concerns over damage to education system of 2022/23 teacher pay award.
Teacher pay
Teachers don’t want to strike – they want to be in the classroom teaching our pupils. But we cannot stand by and watch the biggest real-terms decline in teacher pay this century.
School Funding
The Government needs to recognise the changed circumstances since the 2021 Spending Review and put more money into our children’s futures.
School attendance figures
Pupil absences have risen by over 50% in the past four weeks: more than one in eight pupils are now off school.
Child Poverty Figures
These are appalling figures, behind which are real lives and real suffering. This is the harsh truth of life in the UK today.
Plans to Refurbish 61 Schools
£1 billion on school buildings is welcome, but schools have faced capital funding cuts much larger.
James Cleverly
As the eighth Secretary of State for Education since 2014, and the third since Tuesday, we hope that James Cleverly will immediately address the issues that are vital to young children and the teaching profession.
Department for Education
It is simply not credible to claim a government is still governing when the education department is almost entirely empty.
Cabinet Reshuffle
NEU comments on the appointment of Nadhim Zahawi as Chancellor and Michelle Donelan as Education Secretary.
Key Stage 2 SATs Data
Students and teachers have worked incredibly hard this year, but it remains the case that SATs and other statutory tests do not support children’s learning.
EPI on Teacher Pay
An inflation-plus pay rise for all teachers is essential, especially now we are in a cost-of-living crisis with RPI inflation standing at 11.7%.
LGA on Special Needs Support
Call to scrap High Needs deficits and boost for mainstream inclusion is correct - but more fundamental changes in attitudes and approach are needed.
Wales : Planned changes to the school year
82.9% of NEU Cymru members surveyed are concerned about the change in the pattern of the school year.
Teacher pay in Wales
Given this very poor pay proposal, NEU Cymru will ballot our members in the autumn. We simply cannot allow these attacks on our members pay and their standards of living to continue.
Wales : NEU Cymru welcomes extra INSET day for schools
Extra INSET days to support the new curriculum were hard fought for by the unions, to support the workforce to plan for their learners.
STEM teacher shortages
National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) report on teacher shortages in STEM subjects.
IFS on Inequalities in Early Child Development
A sobering report that shows how unequal the life chances of different groups of young people remain.
NEU calls for inflation-plus pay increase for all teachers
NEU joint general secretaries write to Nadhim Zahawi as inflation hits 11.7%
EPI on the teaching workforce
Deep rooted problems with teacher recruitment and retention have not been solved.
Times Education Commission report
This report is another indicator of the gulf between government policies and the needs of education.
NFER on Apprenticeships
The NEU believes that financially incentivising training providers and employers would go a long way to helping young people into employment and training.
Government Food Strategy Rejects Extension of Free School Meals
The Government is once again ignoring advice from its own expert advisers in rejecting the call to make sure all families on Universal Credit are eligible for FSM.
Overseas Teachers
The NEU entirely agrees with the minister that the expertise that schools can draw upon shouldn't be limited by geographical location.
New school places
Education Secretary announces 14,000 extra school places as well as new free schools and standalone sixth forms.
Rise in free school meals eligibility
The number of children eligible for Free School Meals has risen to 1,897,449, an increase of 49% over the 1,270,914 children eligible in 2019
New DfE Data on Schools and Pupils
It is clear that the problems are getting worse - even before the impact of the Government's plans to cut the value of teacher pay.
EPI/UCL-IOE on Underperforming Schools
The report makes a number of important conclusions. As the Education Bill makes its way through the legislative process, Ministers must review the impact of academisation on primary schools.
Legal Filing on Holland Park School
NEU joins legal filing against unlawful move to force Holland Park School into a multi-academy trust.
Guidance for schools on trans pupils
Discrimination against trans pupils is illegal under the 2010 Equality Act.
Government’s Academisation Plans
Further academisation does not figure on the list of priorities for anyone involved in education.
Latest inflation figure
RPI inflation hit 11% in April, its highest in over 40 years.
OSR slams Government evidence for forcing multi-academy trusts
The Office for Statistics Regulation has today agreed with the NEU’s complaint about the Government’s evidence document.
NFER on Ethnic Disparities in the Teaching Workforce
At a time when Black teachers especially in senior positions are so under-represented, it is unacceptable that the pipeline to teaching careers is blighted with racial disparities.
Covid-19 Inquiry Terms of Reference
NEU comments on recommendation to include the impact on children and young people in the Baroness Hallett Inquiry’s remit.
Demand for SEND support continues to outstrip funding from Government
The Government continues to underfund SEND education, and its SEND and Alternative Provision Green Paper does not contain the scale of ambition required to tackle this crisis.
Schools Bill
To be relevant to real world problems, the Schools Bill needs comprehensive amendment.
Queen’s Speech
The Government claims that its new Schools Bill will level up education opportunity. It will do no such thing. It displays an alarming lack of aspiration and ambition.
Ofqual on Qualifications for 2022/23
Commenting on the announcement of subject content and assessment arrangements for 2022/23
LGA on Maintained Schools Outperforming Academies
Comment on a new report from the Local Government Association
Anne Longfield’s Commission on Young Lives Report
The NEU shares the concerns from this report about the disproportionate exclusions of Black, SEND and poor students.
30 years of Ofsted
Teachers across England mark 30 years of Ofsted with hand delivered 'unhappy' birthday cards
Ofqual's 3 year plan for examinations
Ofqual are right that the pandemic has catalysed questions about assessment in England, however the questions they address are far too limited
DfE launch of Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy
Comment on the launch of the Department for Education’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, including the introduction of a Natural History GCSE
Social care and looked after children
Comment on the passing of Motion 24 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union,
Promoting sustainable active travel
Comment on the passing of Motion 23 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union,
Poverty, disadvantage and education in coastal schools
Commenting on the passing of Motion 22 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Conference votes to stop toxic testing
Comment on the passing of Motion 39 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union,
Assessment system fit for the future
Comment on the passing of Motion 8 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Exclusions
Comment on the passing of Motion 21 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Conversion therapy
Comment on the passing of an urgent motion at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Value Education, Value Educators
Comment on the passing of Motion 47 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Defending reps in the workplace
Comment on the passing of Motion 45 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Long Covid
Comment on the passing of Motion 44 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Palestine
Commenting on the passing of Motion 43 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Unio
Pay claim
Comment on the passing of Motion 14 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Valuing Educators, Valuing Support Staff
Comment on the passing of Motion 13 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Support Staff Conditions
Comment on the passing of Motion 12 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
State of Education: Assessment
In the latest annual survey of 1,788 National Education Union members, conducted ahead of Annual Conference in Bournemouth, we asked about nationally set assessments, including Key Stage 2, GCSEs and A Levels.
Subject leadership in schools
Comment on the passing of Motion 11 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Schools White Paper
Comment on the passing of an urgent motion on the Schools White Paper at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Academisation and the privatisation of education
Comment on the passing of Motion 38 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
School Libraries
Comment on the passing of Motion 37 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Tackling Pornography
Comment on the passing of Motion 36 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Education funding
Comment on the passing of Motion 35 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Primary education
Comment on the passing of Motion 34 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
State of Education: Poverty
The latest annual survey of 1,788 National Education Union members, conducted ahead of Annual Conference in Bournemouth, shows the strength of feeling about and widespread witnessing of child poverty in England’s schools.
A national contract for education
Comment on the passing of Motion 33 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Michael Fabricant
Comment on remarks made by Michael Fabricant MP following the announcement of fixed penalty notices for the Prime Minister and Chancellor
Vocational education
Comment on the passing of Motion 41 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Coming out
Comment on the passing of Motion 20 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Fighting for Support Staff
Commenting on the passing of Motion 42 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Mothers in prison and the impact on their children
Comment on the passing of Motion 19 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Adult mental health in education
Comment on the passing of Motion 18 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
SEND – fighting for a fairer system
Comment on the passing of Motion 32 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Independent school staff face burgeoning workloads and shrinking pay packets
In the latest survey of 1,200 NEU members working as teachers and support staff in independent schools, there is a clear trend in falling living standards. And as pay stagnates, workload remains high.
Launch of NEU Anti-Racist Charter
Comment on the launch of the National Education Union’s Anti-Racist Charter framework at Annual Conference in Bournemouth
State of Education: mental health of young people and pandemic recovery
The NEU's State of Education survey findings on the mental health challenges in schools
Challenging stereotypes and fighting for liberation
Comment on the passing of Motion 31 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union,
Pride and power for disabled members
Comment on the passing of Motion 30 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Supporting Black members, Black Lives Matter
Comment on the passing of Motion 29 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Windrush - the forgotten workers
Comment on the passing of Motion 17 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Climate crisis
Comment on the passing of Motion 16 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Anti-Racism
Comment on the passing of Motion 15 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Child Q
Comment on the passing of an urgent motion on Children’s Rights and Police in Schools at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Replace Ofsted campaign launch
Today, the National Education Union (NEU) has launched a new accountability campaign and national petition calling for the replacement of Ofsted with a new approach to school and college evaluation which is supportive, effective and fair.
Pay
Comment on the passing of Motion 10 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Workload and a national contract for the future
Comment on the passing of Motion 9 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
GCSEs and A Levels
Comment on the passing of Motion 7 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
Building Back Better demands an inclusive curriculum for all
Comment on the passing of Motion 6 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
NEU comment on Ofsted motion at Annual Conference
Comment on the passing of Motion 5 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
State of Education: Ofsted
School inspection and Ofsted’s credibility gap
State of Education: The Profession
The latest annual survey of 1,788 National Education Union members, conducted ahead of Annual Conference in Bournemouth, shows a rise in the number of teachers intending to leave the profession.
Teachers’ unions come together to launch a pay campaign
With inflation running at 6.2% and projected by the Bank of England to rise to over 8% in the time ahead teachers are right to have rejected the pay offer made to them.
Government's evidence for forcing schools into MATs badly flawed
NEU analysis of the Government document shows that the evidence for forcing schools into MATs is badly flawed.
National Tutoring Programme
It's a relief that the feedback from schools has been heeded.
Covid Measures in Education Settings
Measures are being relaxed at a time when Covid-19 cases are surging in schools and colleges. This makes no sense.
SEND Green Paper
A relief to see SEND and AP education are a priority for the Education Secretary.
Schools White Paper
This is a White Paper which does not reflect on the mistakes of the past, does not address the problems of the Covid-19 present and does not have the answers for the future.
White paper plans longer school week
Schools white paper to outline plans for 32.5 hour school week.
Ofsted use of 2022 SATs and GCSE results
NEU comment on the use of 2022 SATs and GCSE results by Ofsted
LGA on Free School Meals
The LGA is right to point out the importance of ensuring no child or young person eligible for free school meals misses out on this essential service which is vital both for pupils' education and health.
Public Accounts Committee on Academies
The report makes all too clear that the proposed plans are likely to be both unworkable and damaging. The rationale of the academy system - based on competition between chains - means there will always be schools that are left unsupported.
Spring Statement
The Chancellor has missed an opportunity to protect our children’s futures in his Spring Statement.
Attendance Data for 17 March
Almost a quarter of schools have more than 15% of their teachers and school leaders absent, a figure that has more than doubled in a fortnight.
NFER on Teacher Recruitment Targets
Low pay, unmanageable workload and an overbearing accountability system is rendering the teaching profession unattractive to many.
ONS Covid Infection Survey
The Government's decision to stop Covid-19 testing in schools has made education disruption more likely, not less.
NEU pension dispute at Girls' Day School Trust
GDST NEU members voted to accept employer offer.
TALIS - Mending the Education Divide
We need an education system that values teachers as professionals, and they must be able to feel ownership of their professional practice.
DfE’s Creation of Body to Share Curriculum Resources
The new curriculum body must value teachers’ expertise and genuinely harness it so that we can support collaboration.
Education Committee on Catch-Up Programme
A serious warning from the Education Committee that Government must provide enough support for disadvantaged young people or risk deepening inequalities.
IFS on the Spring Statement
The IFS research and the worsening inflation outlook reinforce the NEU's call for the restoration of the pay losses imposed on teachers and other educators since 2010.
Government evidence to School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB)
Imposing lower increases for more experienced teachers and headteachers is deeply unfair, will damage morale and will actually increase the retention problems already facing the profession.
Joint union statement to STRB
Education unions call on the Government to repair damage to teacher and school leader pay
Education unions call on the Government to repair damage to teacher and school leader pay
Education unions are calling on the Government to avoid further pay cuts and urgently repair the damage that has already been done.
Public Accounts Committee report raises concerns about school financial sustainability.
This report from the PAC highlights problems in the education system that are long standing and have seriously hindered the ability of schools to give every child the education they deserve.
Association of Colleges report on college staffing crisis
This report exposes the lack of Government support and commitment to colleges.
Hallam academy orders withdrawn
Department for Education backs down over forced academisation for schools in Hallam Diocese
Post-16 Consultation
We strongly criticise the Government’s decision to de-fund AGQs which include BTECs and Cam Techs at level 3. Scrapping these will massively impact disadvantaged students who f have used these qualifications to progress to higher education and into employment for years
NFER on Future Employment Skills
The research highlights that to help current and future students flourish in the 21st century, England must change its approach to assessment and qualifications. If no change to assessment is made, these problems will persist.
UCL on Grammar Teaching
This report adds to the accumulating evidence that the National Curriculum for English stands on weak foundations.
Wales : Strike days at Howell's School
NEU strike days this week at Howell’s School to go ahead.
Work Your Proper Hours Day
Yet again teachers rank very highly in the list of professions working the most unpaid overtime.
School Attendance Data - 10 February
It is welcome that the effects of the Omicron wave are now fading in schools, but it would be wrong to leap to the conclusion that the fight against Covid-19 is over.
Covid Restrictions Eased
Once again an announcement has been made by the Prime Minister without any guidance for schools in place.
Political Impartiality in Schools
There is absolutely no need for new guidance on how to appropriately handle political and social subjects in schools.
NEU teacher's pay consultation outcome
Message from the NEU Northern Ireland Regional Secretary
Historic first strike day at Girls’ Day School Trust’s independent schools
Today saw an historic strike by NEU teacher members who work in Girls' Day School Trust's 23 independent schools.
CST Report on Antisemitism
Disturbing report showing anti-Jewish hate incidents involving schools, school students and teachers in 2021.
Teach First report - Pupil Premium
Restoring the value of the Pupil Premium is a necessary step if the Government is going to live up to its promise to eradicate school cuts.
EPI on the Disadvantage Gap
A damning verdict on the dismal record of governments over the last decade and more, with years of rhetoric and precious little effective action.
Hallam Diocese forced academisation
Academy orders issued to schools in Hallam Diocese ‘unlawfully’, say education unions
Attendance Data
The fall in Covid-related absence is welcome but overall numbers still remain high.
Safer Internet Day – 8 February
The National Education Union is proud to support Safer Internet Day to promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.
Revision Help for Summer Exams
The release of this 'advanced' information comes too late.
Wales : Strike action at Howells School over pensions
In one week from now, on 10 February, teacher members of the NEU at Howells School will go on strike to defend their pensions.
GDST strike details
Countdown to strike action at GDST’s 23 independent schools
Government White Paper - Levelling Up Education
This White Paper does not provide sensible solutions to the lack of school and college funding, nor the exam factory culture.
Wales : Preparing for the new curriculum
NEU Cymru agrees more support needed to prepare for the new curriculum.
‘Levelling Up’ White Paper
Many of the schools promised support were those hardest hit by the Government's education cuts.
GDST vote yes for strike action
Teachers vote to strike over pensions in GDST’s 23 independent schools
Wales : mitigations in schools
NEU Cymru welcomes Minister’s announcement on mitigations in schools.
School attendance figures Jan 2022
Rising covid-related absences will mean disruption to education is going to get worse over the coming weeks.
ONS social mobility report
ONS report into the education and social outcomes for students receiving free school meals in England
Climate strategy in the curriculum
Joint letter to DfE on climate strategy in the curriculum
Easing of Covid restrictions in England
Schools and colleges are still feeling the impact of Covid-19. Government should be exercising a duty of care to the nation’s pupils and the staff who educate them.
UCL research into the teaching of reading
The report adds to the case for abolishing the phonics check and for stepping back from Ofsted’s enforcement of a single approach to the teaching of reading.
NFER on Disadvantaged Pupils
We are concerned that the help that is now offered to families has been cut down to completely inadequate levels and more and more families are being pushed into poverty.
Joseph Rowntree Foundation on energy bills and poverty
Government needs to take urgent action to tackle the root causes of poverty, as well as the symptoms.
Sutton Trust on Covid-related staff absences
This report is further evidence that pupils from more deprived backgrounds are being hit hardest by coronavirus.
Latest attendance figures for education settings
It is now abundantly clear that the effects of Omicron on the operation of schools are highly significant.
Government report into impact of COVID on school recovery
This report gives a clear message to Government that listening to the profession is of vital importance.
Covid-19 mitigations in schools not sufficient
Northern Ireland Teachers’ Council (NITC) say the mitigations currently in place in schools are not sufficient to meet the challenge of adequately protecting our members or the children and young people in their care.
Government announcement on new mitigations to be brought into schools
The Government shows that it recognises the problems but has failed to provide effective solutions.
Unions call for more government support in spring term
Six trade unions representing the majority of education staff have issued a joint statement prior to the return of schools and colleges for the spring term.
Vaccines for Clinically Vulnerable Children
This announcement won't have an impact on transmission rates in schools or make a significant difference to the turbulence that schools and colleges are experiencing due to Covid. This makes the case stronger for Government to introduce better mitigations.
Government’s Pay Remit Letter to STRB
The Government can afford to pay teachers properly and the country can't afford it not to.
Education Secretary’s Call to Retired Teachers
With this call for retired teachers to come forward the Government is admitting they are assuming there will be substantial disruption of education in January.
Unions Slam College Employers over 1% Pay Offer
College staff are key in ensuring future generations have the skills they need for their own careers and the greater economic good, and shouldn’t be on poverty pay.
Educators 37% More Likely to Catch Covid
ONS stats shows educators 37% more likely to catch Covid than other workers.
Start of term planning days
NEU Cymru notes additional planning days at the start of term
Howell's School strike ballot to go ahead
NEU strike ballot to go ahead in Girl's Day School Trust's Howell's School
NEU Cymru welcomes Relationship and Sex Education Code
The Estyn report on peer-on-peer harassment in schools in Wales shows us there is a need to support young people to make safe and healthy choices.
Labour Call for Government to Protect Education
Labour is absolutely right to call upon the Government to 'act now' so we can avoid a repeat of the chaos that schools had to endure at the start of 2021.
Shortfall in school funding will entrench social division
New NEU analysis finds distribution and shortfall in school funding will entrench social division.
Attendance Figures for 9 December
Boris Johnson has not kept his eye on the ball, and his lack of action in ensuring schools have measures in place to keep on top of ever-increasing Covid-19 infection rates is shocking.
Safety Mitigations in Schools and Colleges
Boris Johnson needs to increase safety mitigations in schools and colleges.
Data on School Inspections
Routine inspections have been an unnecessary distraction during this term. Government has recognised this and has at least paused inspections until January, but they must go further.
Education unions call for a pause to routine Ofsted inspections
Education unions call for pause to resumption of routine Ofsted inspections until after February half term.
Mental Health Services
The findings of the select committee are damning but not surprising to those in the education sector.
We need a plan B for schools and colleges now
The NEU is calling for the Government to introduce a plan B for schools and colleges now.
Government’s Plan B Measures
Government Plan B made no mention of schools, even as rising cases are leading to so much disruption of education.
Treasury Evidence to Pay Review Bodies
The NEU thinks that this country cannot afford to even further erode the value of teachers’ pay - otherwise we will continue to fail to recruit and lose experienced teachers.
Call for equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines
NEU writes to the Prime Minister supporting call for equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines.
Strike ballot in Girls' Day School Trust's schools
Strike ballot to go ahead in Girls' Day School Trust's 23 independent schools.
Measuring Child Poverty
There needs to be clear and immediate action from every part of Government to tackle the inequalities which have widened even further because of the pandemic.
NEU Cymru welcomes mental health support for education
Extra money for mental health support for the education workforce should mean that schools are able to identify and support staff with their wellbeing.
NEU Cymru welcomes extra £25 million for Free School Meal roll out
We hope this policy will increase take up of free school meals
NEU Cymru welcomes more money for music and arts education
Creative arts education should also be open to everyone, and creative activities may help our more disadvantaged learners to access the curriculum.
Teacher Training Census
Successive Conservative governments have fallen short of their own teacher training targets year on year. 2021 is no different.
Pandemic impact on Key Stage 1 pupil attainment
The report rightly says that the gap will require specific targeted and continued input to support the learning of disadvantaged children.
Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Review
The delay by a full year to the new requirements is welcome, as are some of the other amendments to the requirements on providers and schools.
School Attendance Data for 25 November
Today's attendance figures show that the half-term fall in case rates was only temporary. Covid-related absences are on the rise in both primary and secondary, and among teachers and school staff.
Consultation on Deferring School Starting Age: Have your say.
We have been involved in the campaign to bring flexibility to Northern Ireland’s school start for over a decade, and this consultation is a welcome step.
Downing Street Briefing on Booster Vaccines
"We welcome the change in pace on vaccination that will now allow adults working in schools and colleges to get their booster much earlier than anticipated.
New DfE Guidance on Mitigations in Schools
We welcome the DfE guidance that masks must be worn by adults and children in year 7 and above in communal areas.
NEU LGBT+ survey 2021
NEU survey shows importance of an inclusive and representative curriculum for LGBT+ equality
Pupil Absence
Schools work hard every day to engage and support pupils who for whatever reason are absent from class.
NAO on Financial Sustainability of Schools in England
The report makes clear the perilous position of school finance at the local authority level. The deficit rose from £11 million in 2014-15 to £675 million in 2019-20.
GDST Ballot for Strike Action
NEU members ballot for strike action at independent sector Girls’ Day School Trust.
School Uniforms
Any measures from Government to support families, and bring the costs of school uniform down, are welcome.
NAO on Government Preparedness for Covid-19 Pandemic
Successive Governments’ failures to plan properly for an expected pandemic have obviously contributed to the Covid crisis
School attendance data 2021
Half term provided a reduction in the rates of transmission, which was foreseeable, but we do not have that fire shield to get us through the remainder of autumn term.
Contingency Plans for Examinations in 2022
Teachers and leaders and pupils have again been left in limbo about how assessment would work if the exam system failed.
Education measures on climate change
DfE climate change plans for education could be welcome if well planned and resourced.
Healthy happy minds pilot for primary schools
NEU NI welcomes £5million ‘Healthy Happy Minds’ pilot for primary schools.
Latest school attendance data
Latest pupil and school staff attendance data
Unions call for quality Climate Education
British and Irish Teaching Unions' open letter for quality Climate Education
Pupil Learning Loss
Teachers worked hard for all their pupils throughout the pandemic and the needs of disadvantaged is of paramount importance to school and college leaders and their staff.
Spending Review
Today, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak had a historic opportunity to value education and value educators. Despite his rhetoric he has failed.
Public Sector Pay
The Chancellor must make good on this latest pledge to drive up pay for the public sector.
Chancellor's announcement on post-16 education funding
Post-16 education needs £6bn more in funding over the next three years.
Report by Education Select Committe: White working-class pupils
The government response to sidesteps the questions of both racism and poverty.
Education unions call for urgent action on climate change crisis
NASUWT, NEU, UCU and UNISON have written to the Secretary of State for Education urging him to take action to ensure climate change education becomes fully embedded in the system.
Government Covid Strategy
It’s not right for the Government to put responsibility on the people but to refuse simple actions themselves.
Public Accounts Committee on School Funding
The PAC report highlights that the Government is actually doing the reverse of levelling up.
EPI on Education Recovery Funding
The scale of learning lost in the pandemic cannot be overcome by some short term, piecemeal measures such as catch-ups.
Hundreds of school staff march on Downing Street to save nursery schools
150 representatives from maintained nursery schools in England march to Downing Street to deliver a petition to the Chancellor, calling on him to ‘take urgent action’ over funding.
Attendance Data - 19 October
We welcome the announcement that vaccination centres will open for 12-15 year olds over half-term, as the NEU previously called for.
October 2021 infections 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.
Wales - ventilating our education settings
NEU Cymru welcomes investment in ventilation.
Plaid Cymru/Labour Co-operation Agreement
NEU Cymru broadly welcomes Plaid/Labour Co-operation Agreement
NEU Cymru welcome increased mitigations in education
NEU Cymru looking to work with the Welsh Government to make sure learners and staff are kept as safe as possible.
Estyn Annual Report 2021
NEU Cymru welcomes the focus on wellbeing in the Estyn Annual Report
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.
Keir Starmer's 2021 Labour conference 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 2021
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 2021
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.
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.
2021 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.
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.
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 preliminary findings
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.
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.
Anti-racism charter
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.
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.
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.
Rising 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.
Maternity discrimination
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.
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.
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.
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
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's 'securing the economy' 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.
January 2021 infections survey
The Government can't seem to decide whether schools are safe or unsafe. Let this data end their confusion.
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
Wales school closure
NEU Cymru welcomes proposed closure of schools and colleges until February
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 2020
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.
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.
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
Attendance figures December 2020
The only way to improve school attendance is for the Government to act to bring down coronavirus infection rates in schools.
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 2020
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.
Latest school attendance figures - November
Attendance data from England and Wales confirm the significant role that schools play in virus transmission
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.
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.
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.
Attendance figures October 2020
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
2020 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.
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.
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.
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's 2020 Labour conference 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' Report 2020
OECD’s annual Education-at-a-Glance report highlights the strain on resources in our schools and colleges.
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 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.
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 2020
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
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 2020
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: 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