NEU Cymru

Latest news

Coronavirus and ALN

The coronavirus pandemic has contributed to specific issues in special schools and for ALN in mainstream schools. Further information on lockdown for NEU members working in special schools can be downloaded here.

• Special schools in lockdown
• Ysgolion arbennig dan glo

Lateral Flow Testing in Schools and Colleges

On 14 December 2020, the Welsh Government announced that Coronavirus testing is to be rolled out in schools and colleges from January 2021. There is no confirmed date or timetable as yet, nor have we been provided with details of how the logistical details associated with such a huge and daunting exercise will be dealt with. Read the joint advice here and the Welsh version here.

Pay award 2020

Following a period of consultation after the publication of the IWPRB pay recommendations, the Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams, has announced the pay award for teachers in Wales which will be backdated to the 1 September 2020. We can confirm that the award will see:

1. 8.48% uplift to the minimum of the main pay scale.
2. 3.75% uplift to the statutory maxima of the MPS.
3. 2.75% uplift to the statutory minima and maxima of the UPS.
4. 2.75% uplift to the minima and maxima of the leading practitioner range, unqualified teachers pay scale, leadership pay scale and allowances.
5. Statutory national pay scales for all pay points on MPS, UPS, unqualified and leadership scales.
6. 2.75% uplift across interim pay points of the leading practitioner pay range and teacher allowances.

The Minister’s statement can be accessed here.

A copy of the full pay and conditions document can be accessed here.

Children, Young People and Education Committee

NEU Cymru gave evidence on the Curriculum and Assessment Bill this am – Evidence session 7. NEU Cymru support the general principles of the legislation – to give more autonomy to educators in schools to design and deliver a curriculum for their learners. But more funding and training are needed to make sure that the ambitions of the Bill are realised. See our full response to the Bill.

School Teachers’ Pay: IWPRB’s 2nd Report and Welsh Government Response

NEU Cymru response letter to the Minister for Education in Wales on the IWPRB’s 2nd Report and proposals for implementation of the IWPRB’s recommendations relating to school teacher pay in Wales.  

Operational protocol to support the return of staff to Further Education Colleges in Wales

These protocols have been developed by the FE sector in consultation with teaching unions.

Guidance for wider opening of schools

The Welsh Government has published guidance relating to the wider opening of schools in Wales:

• Keep Childcare Safe: Protective measures in pre-school childcare settings
• Keep Education Safe: Operational guidance for schools and settings from the autumn term 
• Keep Education Safe: Learning guidance for schools 
• Keep Education Safe: Guidance on recommencing face to face further education and work based learning 

Education Minister Kirsty Williams to reopen schools to all year groups.

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. Read the press release here.

Children's Commission for Wales letter

The Children’s Commissioner for Wales has written a letter in which she has expressed concern regarding the position in England and indicated support to the position being taken in Wales.

Education Minister sets out five key principles for schools’ return

NEU Cymru has welcomed the announcement by the Education Minister, setting out the conditions under which schools in Wales will reopen. The union agrees that the safety of staff and students alike is paramount. Read the press release here.

Education Minister confirms no imminent plans to open schools

NEU Cymru is pleased Education Minister Kirsty Williams AM responded to our letter about schools reopening. She confirmed that safety of staff and students is her priority and she wont be allowing the schools to open up again until the medical professionals say it is safe to do so. 

The Minister wrote to NEU members a few weeks ago, read her blog here.

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