The NEU is working to help ensure the health and safety of our members, their families and our schools as we continue to face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our advice is focused on the safety of the whole school community.
UNISON, GMB, Unite and NEU. have called on the government to reinstate face coverings in schools
With infections on the rise once more, four unions have issued a joint statement demanding a range of safety measures in schools and colleges to limit coronavirus spread, keep education on track and reduce the risk of further closures.
Read our Q&A advice for members.
The NEU will provide support to members in any school or college where there are concerns about safety. Details of how to escalate matters in your workplace and if necessary contact your branch can be found here.
This updated joint union advice considers the measures which need to be in place in schools and colleges. It aims to help ensure that risk assessments are reviewed and covers measures which need to be addressed to reflect the known greater transmissibility of the new variant and meet the requirements of full opening. The joint union checklist for full opening in September 2020 has been updated and remains relevant for guidance on more detailed measures that should continue to be in place.
We must protect vulnerable and older members of staff who are most at risk if they catch Covid-19. The joint union advice on other vulnerable and higher risk staff remains in place and can be found here.
The NEU expects the following to be in place in all education workplaces when they return to full opening:
Arrangements should provide for the employment of supply and peripatetic staff where appropriate, rather than putting obstacles in the way of this.
The Recovery Education Hub is your place to network with 450,000 NEU members to get advice, support each other and shape recovery education following the coronavirus pandemic. The hub aims to put education professionals at the heart of developing practice which supports teaching and learning during the months and years ahead.
Advice on the Covid-19 testing system can be found here Coronavirus: testing in schools and colleges | NEU
The union supports the concept of regular mass testing for staff and students as one of the measures to help prevent schools and colleges becoming Covid-19 hot spots. This is an important control measure following the return to full opening in March.
Covid-19 safety in schools. These are minimum standards for keeping everyone safe and ensuring reasonable working conditions.
Advice on workload and working in school or at home during the coronavirus crisis.
What you need to know on supporting vulnerable students and staff during the coronavirus crisis.
NEU advice on what you need to know during the coronavirus crisis.
Adopting rota systems in secondary schools and colleges can provide continuous education while helping to suppress the virus.
NEU advice to members to ensure that arrangements are safe and appropriate whether students and staff are working at home or at school.
The NEU is committed to helping you ensure safety in the workplace for all staff and students in schools and colleges during this very challenging time.
Guide for National Education Union workplace representatives.
Guide for National Education Union officers on how to support your members during coronavirus
Information, advice and resources for NEU Cymru members.
Information, advice and resources for NEU Northern Ireland members.
