The National Education Union is the UK’s largest education union. We are an effective and powerful voice – championing everyone who works in education.
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. A poor plan, such as this one, risks failing children, parents and staff alike.
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.
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.
Education experts call for Downing Street to prioritise Maintained Nursery School funding.
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.
NEU's welcomes the Government’s commitment to maintaining school buildings. There are currently 3,731 school buildings in urgent need of immediate repair.
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.
The National Education Union welcomes the decision not to implement reception baseline assessment in September.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NEU Cymru clarifies issues surrounding wider opening of schools.
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.
Violations of workers’ rights are at a seven-year high, according to the newly released 2020 ITUC Global Rights Index.
£1 billion additional funding for schools: Covid-19
NEU launches call for funding for Local Government to co-ordinate 2020 Summer holiday offer for children and young people.
Fred Jarvis, CBE - trade unionist and former General Secretary of the NUT dies at the age of 95.
Government to provide free school meals for children and young people over the summer holidays.
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.
Department for Education to encourage head teachers to invite back more primary pupils before summer
NEU has today written to the Prime Minister with 5 recommendations for urgent action to tackle racism.
The Government is seriously out of touch if it can't see that many families will need support with food.
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.
The National Education Union has today written to the Prime Minister outlining its proposals for a National Education Recovery Plan.
Urgent action is needed to address widespread stereotyping, discrimination and the fear and violence caused by racism.
NEU Cymru welcomes Welsh Government guidance on schools' wider opening.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NEU calls on Government to step back from the brink and stop wider 1 June school reopening
Serious questions about safety remain unanswered.
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.
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.
A snapshot survey of 4,016 members of the National Education Union, reveals continued problems with health and safety even before wider opening.
Prime Minister's COVID briefing confirming wider re-opening of schools June 1st
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 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.
Prime Minister responds to concerns on track and trace operation before the wider opening of schools during PMQs.
IFS survey: Educational gaps during lockdown
Gavin Williams COVID briefing - re wider opening of schools update
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.
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.
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.
1,173 local authority councillors from across England have signed the NEU Councillors letter to Gavin Williamson.
LGA need to give Councils power to close schools and nurseries when clusters of Covid-19 cases emerge.
Unions with members in the education sector are today (Wednesday) publishing a joint statement on the safe reopening of schools.
Trade unions set out five tests Government and colleges must meet before staff and students can return.
Poll of over 1,000 parents, commissioned for NEU, shows support for lockdown measures since March.
The NEU is advising our school leader members today that we are in no position to start planning for wider opening yet.
49k NEU members in one hour respond to survey giving a resounding NO to Prime Ministers roadmap for school reopening.
Prime Minister’s announcement on return of schools is nothing short of reckless.
NEU report: Coronavirus, Pupils and Schools: Unanswered Questions
NEU Cymru welcomes the announcement that schools will NOT open more widely on 1 June.
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.
On the eve of Sage meeting at which lockdown measures will be reviewed, NEU petition demanding schools re-open only when safe to do so nears 350,000 signatures.
NEU and Parentkind sign a joint letter to the Education Secretary to express concerns about the re-opening of schools.
As schools re-integrate more students back on site over the next months the focus needs to be on healthy transitions which support engagement with learning and not on catching up to some government-mandated trajectory.
As the Public Accounts Committee report makes clear, the Government approach on support has let SEND children down. Covid-19 means we have to put children's learning needs and interests at the heart of the offer in the classroom.
NEU snapshot survey of over 2,000 school staff shows significant concerns about effectiveness of present social-distancing measures in schools.
The General Secretaries of 10 teacher trade unions across the UK and Ireland have written to the Education Ministers in all 5 jurisdictions urging “significant caution in any consideration of reopening schools.
Research by Sutton Trust’s suggests young people believe cancellation of A-Levels will damage their chances in university applications.
NEU has launched 5 tests for Government before schools can re-open. We believe that these test must be capable of being passed in order to create the necessary confidence amongst parents and staff.
NEU members win case against accusations of Key Stage 1 and 2 grade inflation by the Diocese of Westminster Academy Trust.
We were relieved to hear confirmation from the Education Secretary that schools and colleges will not be returning during the summer holidays. Lockdown is not a holiday.
For our members, parents and learners themselves, staying safe at this difficult time is critical. We look forward to hearing more details from the Welsh Government in the coming weeks.
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.
NEU joint general secretaries have written to the education secretary Gavin Williamson about issues affecting supply staff during the Covid-19 pandemic.
We welcome the data the Office of the Children’s Commissioner (OCC) has collated to enable good local responses to supporting vulnerable children.
The NEU welcomes Ofqual’s announcement today on the regulatory arrangements for awarding this summer’s Vocational and Technical Qualifications (VTQs).
NEU welcomes Government's announcement that practical steps will be taken to test school staff for Covid-19. It is essential that staff who are self-isolating at home get immediate access to the test.
NEU Cymru welcomes the Welsh Government’s revised guidance today. Our members will be heartened to see that the Welsh Government is thinking about those children most in need of support.
Some pupils will need much more individual support than is possible, and many will need support for their wellbeing before any meaningful learning can take place.
We're pleased the Education Minister has focused on wellbeing in launching this policy statement. Like the Minister says, the wellbeing and safety of learners and education professionals alike is centrally important at this difficult time.
Over 80,000 have signed the NEU petition to "open schools when it is safe" and the number continues to grow.
Extra £1.25 million for school counselling services will be invaluable to support the anticipated increase in need for mental health services as a result of social distancing and school shut down measures.
In the light of speculation on the re-opening of schools and colleges, the joint General Secretaries of the National Education Union have called on the Prime minister for clarity on how the Government will make such a decision.
One form of assessment will not fit all, and more detail is required.
NEU Cymru welcomes the Welsh Government plans to ensure social distancing in the workplace. These are challenging times, and it is right that we try and keep those in work as safe as possible.
The UCL review indicates that school closures are effective as part of a combination of tactics. Schools can only open safely on the basis of sound scientific reasoning. We are a long way from this point.
NEU comments on the appointment of Rebecca Long-Bailey as Shadow Education Secretary.
The coronavirus microsite provides advice and recommends resources to parents to support home learning.
We are pleased to see that Government has listened to the NEU and others who have asked for FSM to be available throughout the holidays.
The Social Mobility Foundation highlights inequalities in families' home learning environments.
In a time of crisis it is welcome that the BBC is not just informing and entertaining, but remembering the other part of their original mission statement: to educate.
We are pleased that the Department for Education and Ofqual both recognise the professionalism of teachers. Exams are not the only way to assess someone’s ability.
Today four education unions, NEU, ASCL, NAHT and UCAC have issued joint coronavirus advice to their members calling for mutual respect, understanding and support.
During this time of crisis school leaders, teachers and support staff are doing essential work – caring for the children of key workers and vulnerable children in Wales.
Free school meals over the Easter period is going to be useful for those families. We know that Welsh Government has put extra money into this, and it is welcome.
DfE covering all costs for schools supplying free school meals at school and home.
Analysis of the available Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme guidance strongly indicates that supply staff will be covered within it.
The NEU guidance on distance learning out today makes very clear what should be acceptable levels of workload. Normal education is currently suspended, and teachers should not be teaching a full timetable, or routinely marking work.
The Covid-19 crisis means that school leaders, teachers and support staff are working in new situations and new ways in order to meet the challenges they face every day.
Supply teachers, agency teaching assistants and others working in the education sector must have proper financial stability, on a genuine like-for-like with their directly-employed counterparts.
We’re glad that the Welsh Government plan to work with us as a union. We’ve been putting forward our members’ concerns and will continue to do so.
We know many of our members will be worried, so need strong and clear advice to schools, to back up the head teachers, who are having to choose which young people can be in schools.
Our priority as a union is to our members and the children and young people they work with. We are concerned that Government advice for schools is not currently strong enough.
TALIS shows us that under normal circumstances, teachers are overworked, stressed and looking to leave the profession.
Schools should only remain open to those whose parents are key workers. The vast majority of children should stay at home. This is the safest place for them.
We expect the Welsh Government and Qualifications Wales to work with the profession, to fine-tune the detail of this approach.
The National Education Union has called for testing of education staff to be made an urgent priority in efforts to tackle coronavirus.
We welcome this announcement from Government. Evidence shows teacher-assessed grades are reliable and valid.
It is vitally important that parents follow Government advice and keep their children at home where possible.
This is a very long list and could result in some schools having the majority of pupils attending. This will not achieve the goal of slowing the spread of the virus.
NEU Cymru statement on school closures in Wales.
We welcome the Government’s announcement that, for public health reasons, schools will now close.
We welcome the Education Minister’s announcement to close schools from Friday. We are pleased that Wales is the first UK nation to take this practical and pragmatic approach.
NEU has written to the Prime Minister asking that he close all schools and colleges, and we are hoping that the this will be the same for Wales.
This announcement is as welcome as it is overdue. Schools are operating in extraordinary circumstances and must be able to focus on what is essential.
NEU calling for school closures "at least for some time and at least in some areas"
Scotland and Wales have shown England the way. It is unacceptable for Ofsted inspections to be taking place at a time of national emergency.
As COVID-19 spreads, schools need to focus on what is important.
Why aren’t schools closing if mass gatherings are to be suspended?
Today the NEU’s National Officers have made the decision to cancel annual conference, due to take place in Bournemouth 6-9 April.
The Government knows that lack of funding is putting schools and colleges under great pressure. This budget does not support a long term plan for the millions of young people being educated within a chronically underfunded system.
Government needs to listen to the evidence. Our schools and colleges are simply not being given the funding they need to deliver the education every parent child and young person expects.”
The strike action is paused and next steps depend on the nature of discussions.
The Government’s pledge last year to increase school funding fell short of the £12.6 billion we estimate is needed to replace the cuts made since 2015. Schools and colleges continue to fall into disrepair, and at the present rate it will take several decades to rebuild them all.
National Education Union members working in 34 Sixth Form Colleges will be taking strike action on Tuesday 10 March in response to the impact of funding cuts in their sector.
If Government is serious about the importance of technical education then it must learn from this challenging report.
Teachers at Colfe’s School, Greenwich, have voted for strike action on Wednesday 4 March over proposals by their employer to withdraw from the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS), the pension provider to the vast majority of teachers in England and Wales.
Schools have an important role to play, but we are concerned about suggestions in recent days that larger class sizes will be recommended for indefinite periods.
As the EPI report itself notes, teacher recruitment and retention problems are widespread and severe. The proposals in the EPI report for yet further fragmentation of pay will cause more problems.
Following the publication of the UK’s negotiation objectives this week, the NEU has joined with other UK trade unions, environmental organisations and health and human rights groups to call for an EU-UK trade deal based on rights, justice and sustainability.
Ahead of the Budget, a coalition of organisations acting in defence of maintained nursery schools will be handing in a 25,000-signature petition to the Prime Minister at Downing street.
This announcement is silent about the pressures on disadvantaged schools, where more teachers are leaving. Heads and teachers are only too acutely aware of what they want to do more of in order to support students, but they can't because of funding and staffing cuts.
The DfE has satisfied itself about the technical validity of the tests, but is completely incurious about the effects of Baseline Assessment on the educational experience of four year-olds.
The system is broken. Colleges are financially struggling, with staff numbers decimated. We need money for staff: parity with schools would require a £7000 pay catch-up for FE college teachers.
London march and rally marking fifth day of strike action in over 30 sixth form colleges.
Sutton Trust research on school admissions finds social segregation has lasting effects and is letting down pupils and communities.
The National Education Union (NEU) has welcomed action by the Northern Education Trust (NET) academy chain to improve teacher workload and pay.
New research into Baseline testing shows a lack of trust amongst teachers.
London march and rally marking fifth day of strike action in over 30 sixth form colleges
Teacher pay survey shows that 63% of teachers have considered leaving the profession due to pay concerns.
National Education Union, has written to the Prime Minister about the hiring of Andrew Sabisky
Four education unions are warning that government pay proposals would short-change most classroom teachers and all senior leaders.
National Education Union Cymru welcomes the£23m extra money for Further Education (FE) in Wales.
The British Lung Foundation (BLF) and the National Education Union (NEU) has produced guidance with support from Living Streets, the UK charity behind the National Walk to School campaign.
National Education Union Cymru and NASUWT members to take strike action on Wednesday 12 February.
34 sixth form colleges will be taking strike action on Wednesday 12 February in response to the impact of funding cuts in their sector.
As the union with the second largest leadership membership, the NEU supports Ethical Leadership and call on members who are additional inspectors to stop working for Ofsted.
The findings of this report are further evidence of the chronic underfunding of children’s mental health services and the lack of available support for so many children and young people who need it.
The Government’s rhetoric is excellent, it is a pity the reality for the vast majority of schools does not match it.
Teachers and school leaders need to have the ability to judge what is best for the children and young people they teach.
NEU Cymru welcome more details on the new Curriculum.
There is no doubt that the excessive demands upon education staff and the poor working practices they endure in schools and colleges are helping create a toxic work environment, leading to mental ill-health among both teachers and support staff.
While schools do a great deal to provide all students with a broad and balanced curriculum, as this report shows, gender continues to shape the subjects chosen by pupils at GCSE.
NEU calls for Serious Fraud Office inquiry into Collective Spirit Free School and Manchester Creative Studio School.
More Than A Score /YouGov publishes survey findings of parents' views on too much testing in schools.
The NEU supports the conclusion of the authors of this volume that “expanding the number of grammar schools is unlikely to increase levels of educational or social mobility in this country”.
The impact of poverty on children's confidence about their future can't be reversed within schools unless we generate economic and cultural opportunities in the communities where young people live.
Our members do not believe it is right for any child to miss out on these important areas of learning, and support the Minister's plan to discontinue the parental right to withdraw their children from RE and RSE.
Ofsted has neither the personnel, the expertise nor the experience, to operate its new curriculum-focused inspection framework fairly, so that reliable results are made on schools and colleges.
The Government’s approach will create new problems. All teachers deserve a pay increase that will make a significant start in restoring the real terms cuts to their pay since 2010.
Teacher Pay – NEU evidence to the School Teachers' Review Body (STRB) calls for 7% increase for all teachers in England.
We support Plan International’s call for a remodelling of education, one that puts gender equality and social and emotional learning at it’s heart.
Period poverty forces girls to miss out on vital time in school. In 2018, over 137,000 children missed school because of their period.
Government should learn the lesson of this report: serious change begins with funding, and with a sustained programme to improve workforce qualifications.
The EPI report makes for alarming reading and chimes with the concerns raised by our members.
Fear of Ofsted is a key factor in school leader and teacher flight from these schools. Ofsted is, unfortunately part of the problem, not the solution.
The Queen’s Speech failed to address the challenges facing education.
Boris Johnson's new Government has the opportunity in this Queen’s Speech to right the wrongs of successive Conservative-led Governments.
The NEU reacts to the result of the 2019 General Election.
Today we have an historic opportunity to shape the future for all our young people.
NFER is right that there has to be a concerted effort to raise awareness about the new T Level awards, particularly around the uncertainty about progression routes.
NEU poll shows majority of teachers worried that yet more children in their school will be hungry and cold this Christmas.
New analysis by the National Education Union shows that the inadequacy of the Government schools building programme.
NEU research reveals staggering cost and failure rate of the free schools policy.
The focus on early years education is particularly welcome. Like the EPI, the union believes that the development of a larger educational workforce, with higher levels of training and qualification, is essential to a programme of early years reform.
NEU Cymru believes the election provides a chance for real change
With education now ranking as the third biggest electoral issue among parents, our fifth and final weekend of General Election events will take place in the North East, Cumbria and Yorkshire.
The plan outlined by Labour will address the years of underfunding and allow schools to heal and to plan improvements, increasing SEND support, supporting teachers and other staff, capping class sizes and improving our school buildings.
The Sutton Trust is right to say that the new GCSE reforms have a negative impact on students.
The School Cuts website has been updated to reflect what the manifestos mean for every school in England.
Pisa offers some bench marking against other countries but it is only one measure of performance.
Pisa findings should be a wake-up call to the Government that its polices are taking education in England in the wrong direction.
OECD tells top performing countries in Pisa 2018 that they have a long way to go in improving students’ social and emotional outcomes.
This survey is an indictment of the child homelessness which austerity is causing. It’s a national disgrace that 1.5 million children are forecast to fall into poverty between 2010 and 2020/21.
The NEU comments on latest Conservative Ofsted pledge.
Initial Teacher Training recruitment figures in England - 2019 to 2020 released today, show that the Government has failed to recruit enough trainee teachers, based on its own targets.
Our latest wave of weekend events visits the north west, south west and west midlands to raise awareness about education during this General Election.
New parent poll shows education rising to third biggest issue in General Election.
Tackling the under-representation of BME teachers is one very important step in addressing the issue of racism in society. The NEU welcomes the proposal for a new Emancipation Educational Trust.
NEU has released guidance advising members of their rights during “brutal” Ofsted inspections. The guidance advises members on their contractual responsibilities in light of the new framework.
This survey highlights the challenges facing schools and colleges in ensuring their buildings are well maintained and provide a safe and decent environment for teaching and learning.
The Conservative manifesto reveals £340m of further cuts to school budgets in 2023/24. A generation of pupils have missed out on opportunities because of austerity, and for many it has trapped them in poverty. This election is about much more than Brexit.
In a snapshot poll of National Education Union members, the growth of child poverty and its visibility within schools and colleges is laid bare.
NEU survey shows staff working in independent schools have increased workload, low pay and damage to pensions.
Our third week of Super Saturdays, raising awareness of school cuts and other education issues, will visit the midlands and south-east regions of the UK.
The NEU asked each party to value education and make pledges on funding and the Labour party has met our tests. Labour’s manifesto demonstrates an understanding that schools alone cannot counter the drastic and long-lasting impacts of poverty and class inequality in wider society.
A coalition of education unions has today welcomed Labour’s manifesto commitment to reverse all cuts to school budgets and to make a once-in-a-generation investment in education.
NEU welcomes the the Liberal Democrats commitment to abolish primary SATs testing. These tests, beloved of the Government, cause enormous stress and narrowing of the curriculum – they do not produce useful information for teachers.
Teachers and support staff work on the front line of child poverty and witness its devastating effects every day. Labour’s proposed policies on reserving the effects of austerity offers hope to millions of children and their families currently trapped in poverty’s grip.
The NEU welcomes the Liberal Democrats’ commitment to reverse school cuts and the recognition that teachers’ pay needs to rise.
Government’s “shameful” record on fire safety must end, says joint unions' letter
The Green Party’s pledge to end centrally-imposed testing and Ofsted inspections is a welcome recognition of the pressures high-stakes accountability places on schools, narrowing the curriculum and driving teachers out of the profession.
National Education Union members working in 34 sixth form colleges will be taking a day of strike action on Wednesday 20 November to demand more funding for their students and their colleges.
Government heavily criticised in new NEU poll about SEND provision. It should be a point of shame for the Government that so few education staff believe it is up to the task of providing for SEND pupils.
The NEU’s Super Saturdays are an opportunity for parents, teachers, school staff and all who are interested or concerned about education, to come together find out more about the challenges facing schools and colleges.
NEU class size analysis shows a rise in 474 England constituencies since 2010
Creativity is at the heart of the plans for the new Curriculum, so members’ concerns about music in schools needs to be taken seriously.
Wales’s largest education union has concerns over the continued and growing use of teaching assistants, including Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) and cover supervisors being used to teach classes both on a long- and short-term basis.
The cutting back of teaching assistants and teachers in many schools have exacerbated workload issues which has led to a marked increase in stress and mental health issues in teachers.
Wales’s largest education union believes that there is not enough evidence of Regional Consortia having a positive impact on schools in terms of improving standards for pupils.
Wales’ largest education union has called on the office of the Secretary of State for Wales to publish proposals for rectifying the harm that has been inflicted upon Wales, its public services and education in particular as a result of the Conservatives’ austerity programme.
This election has to be about more than Brexit. The future of schools and education is at stake on 12 December.
Wales’s largest education union has called for the Welsh Government to introduce legislation to require all Welsh Unitary Authorities to introduce a mental health charter that protects employees by tackling the root causes of work-related mental health problems.
Wales’s largest education union has called on the Welsh Government to support the rights of every child to a fully funded and equal education.
We need to address how education gives adults and young people the skills and knowledge needed for the modern world.
NEU welcomes the commitment to empower people to develop new skills so that they can thrive in the UK’s technology and industry sectors.
Years of underfunding have seen the post 16 sector in Wales suffer from restructuring. It is sad to hear members’ experiences which suggest they are not valued.”
The National Education Union Cymru also feels that there can be no real progress in reducing teacher workload until the high level of teacher accountability is dropped.
The National Education Union Cymru is also concerned that Welsh MPs, and the Secretary of State for Wales in particular, don’t see it as their job to approach Westminster to ask for more money for Education in Wales.
The level of violence and abusive behaviour against our members is an issue. Aggressive behaviour, including physical attacks and verbal abuse towards school staff and leaders occur across Wales and the causes of this needs to be addressed.
The new Curriculum is a huge step change for education here in Wales, but more detail is clearly needed on the Progression Steps and assessment arrangements.
Underfunding of schools in England, listed by constituency.
The fight against disadvantage begins in the early years, and Labour’s policies recognise this.
Labour Party policy on Early Years Education
During the General Election the National Education Union will be holding a series of Super Saturday events explaining the facts about education funding.
The National Education Union Cymru will launch the ‘Making News Toolkit for Schools’ online resource to its members at their Annual Conference in Newport on 9 November.
National Education Union members working in 25 Sixth Form Colleges will be taking their second day of strike action on Tuesday 5 November to defend their pay, working conditions and employment.
We are pleased the Government has bowed to pressure from parents and educators by extending funding for maintained nursery schools for a further two terms.
There is a huge choice for education at this election. When casting their vote, we will ensure that parents, teachers, school leaders and the general public are in full possession of the facts, not the spin.
Today’s announcement by Government to invest £400m in the repair of school and college buildings in England is too little, too late.
National Education Union Cymru welcomes the review into cost of schooling
Education Committee publishes report on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
NEU Cymru welcomes announcement on teachers' pay
This report is an important reminder of the reality behind the Government’s rhetoric on free schools.
Schools form just one part of a multi-agency approach to reducing youth crime and the exposure of young people to violence, and those agencies all need support.
NEU members working in Sixth Form Colleges will be taking strike action on Thursday 17 October to defend their pay, working conditions and employment.
Teaching unions general secretaries write to the Secretary of State for Education to express concerns over school places after Brexit.
Government’s false claims in Queen’s Speech.
This Queen’s Speech needs to address the issues that face schools, children and young people and their families
More than 16,500 schools losing out under new cash allocations for April 2020.
Following the release of the national funding formulae allocations for 2020/21, we are taking a close look at what this means for schools.
It is good that teachers are spending less time on marking and planning, but the numbers for time spent on data collection are still stubbornly high.
Sixty-nine thousand unexplained pupil exits from schools is a shocking figure and one which the Government needs to address.
The Government continues to try to pull the wool over the public’s eyes about the reality of school funding. They have to triple count monies to get to their claim that there is £14bn more in schools.
What schools need most is to be adequately funded. Challenging schools to do more with even less resource is not the answer.
The National Education Union will continue to stand in solidarity with SEND Action and fight to ensure that all children with SEND have access to the provision they deserve.
Gavin Williamson must get the Treasury to find the money to save the maintained nursery sector. Even after the announcement of an additional £400m in April 2020, they still have £1.1bn less in real terms than in 2010.
New figures, released today by the School Cuts coalition, reveal that four in five of England’s schools will be worse off next year than they were in 2015.
NEU comments on Government's release of Phonics Check statistics.
The NEU response to the findings in the Sutton Trust's poll on the prevalence of private tuition.
Ahead of World Teachers’ Day (5 October), the National Education Union (NEU) will be screening the new documentary from British filmmaker and former teacher Jon Seal.
The NEU welcomes Labour’s announcement that it will abolish Ofsted. Labour’s proposal to abolish an overall school grade is long overdue. Schools are too complex to be reduced to a single grade.
Schools and local authorities have been struggling to plug the gaps in SEND education left by years of cuts and underfunding, but without significant investment many children are unable to access the support they need.
This IFS report confirms our belief that the additional money announced in the Spending Round is insufficient. They point out that even after the Spending Round, schools still have to cope with an unprecedented 13-year long funding squeeze.
The Government is doing a far better job of driving people out of teaching than they are in retaining them.
A letter calling on Gavin Williamson, the new Secretary of State to increase teachers pay written in agreement by NEU, ASCL, NAHT and Voice, representing the majority of teachers in England.
Unless Government changes course, all local authority Maintained Nursery Schools (MNS) in England will lose on average 30% of their budget by September 2020.
This report makes clear the challenges facing schools and local authorities in their efforts to give the best possible support to SEND pupils. It is plain to anyone working in education that the levels of education funding for SEND pupils are inadequate.
The findings of the OECD’s latest Education at a Glance provide another worrying reminder that education in England is moving in the wrong direction and is an outlier compared with other OECD countries.
The recommendations to spread best practice and take advantage of technological advances in order to help prevent malpractice, where it does occur, are sensible.
The Government’s academy and free schools programme is in crisis. Almost 70 ‘orphan schools’ do not have a sponsor and yet the Government recklessly wants to expand the programme.
Every school wants to provide the strategies and support which work for each individual SEND pupil, but the real-terms funding crisis has had a devastating impact. We don’t need another review to tell us that children with SEND need quicker assessments.
Today’s report will do nothing to halt the growing demand to abolish the SATs-based system, and replace it with one which support’s pupils’ learning, and does more to trust teachers’ professional judgment.
Today's funding announcement in the Chancellor's Spending Review is not sufficient to reverse all the cuts to date.
Government announces a raise in starting salaries for teacher.
Young Minds survey shows that academic pressure has significant impact on students mental health.
Further expansion of free schools will result in more unused pupil places and more complications for parents trying to navigate the system and secure a place for their child.
Funding announcement for further education and sixth form colleges is nowhere near to closing the £1.1bn gap.
The Prime Minster's announcement is a victory for the SchoolCuts campaign. It’s a start but it's not enough.
Leaked Department for Education document shows Government's education policy plans.
NEU Cymru congratulates students in Wales for today’s GCSE and Welsh Baccalaureate results.
Congratulations to all those receiving their GCSE results today. They are a testament to the hard work of students and all those who have supported them, including education professionals.
On the eve of this year’s GCSE results, the National Education Union (NEU) has carried out a snapshot poll of members about their perceptions of how recent reforms to the qualifications have impacted on the students they teach.
NEU Cymru congratulates pupils in Wales on their achievements in A and AS level today.
Congratulations to students who have succeeded in their A-Level and vocational qualifications today.
On the eve of this year’s A-Level results, the National Education Union (NEU) has polled members about their perceptions of how recent reforms to the qualifications have impacted on the students they teach.
We shouldn't be surprised by these findings, but they should urgently trigger a change in approach. Cutting school funding dramatically while at the same time driving more families deeper into poverty comes at a high cost for poor and working-class students, says NEU.
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union has commented on the publication by the DfE of annual reports on the expenditure and performance of the academy school sector.
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union has commented on the appointment of Gavin Williamson as the new Education Secretary.
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union comments on the incoming Prime Minister’s statements that education and school funding is at the top of his domestic agenda.
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union has commented on Boris Johnson becoming the new Prime Minister.
Rosamund McNeil, assistant general secretary of the National Education Union has commented on Teacher wellbeing at work in schools and further education providers, published today by Ofsted.
Department for Education’s response to the STRB report on teacher pay.
David Evans, Wales Secretary of the National Education Union Cymru has commented on the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body First Report 2019 and the proposals from Minister for Education Kirsty Williams published today.
2.75% pay increase for teachers predicted for next Monday.
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union comments on the Education Committee’s report calling for a ten-year plan for school and college funding.
Commenting on Ofsted’s Annual Report and Accounts 2018-19, published today, Andrew Morris, Assistant General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
Commenting on today’s Department for Education figures detailing the number of and cost of academy transfers and funding in England, Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
Commenting on the unveiling of the expert panel that will develop new qualifications for teachers, Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
Commenting on the Department for Education’s latest vow to tackle teacher workload, Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
NEU Cymru welcomes an extra INSET day for the next three years, planned for the summer term, announced by the Education Minister today.
Speaking about the sudden closure of Godre'r Graig School, following risk of landslides last week, David Evans, Wales Secretary of the National Education Union, who represents many members in the school, said:
A coalition fighting for improved funding for education today sets out a long-term plan to reverse the cuts which have caused so much damage to schools and colleges. It shows that a total of £12.6bn extra would be needed by 2022/23.
Commenting on the report A Step Baccward by the think tank EDSK, Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union said:
Commenting on the latest Government analysis, Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
The recent articles in the Guardian newspaper- “700 English schools reported over asbestos safety concerns” (5th July) & “Britain’s death toll from asbestos at crisis level figures reveal” (8th July) only serve to validate the Joint Union Asbestos Committee (JUAC) approach to the terrible legacy of asbestos in schools.
New relationships and sex education lessons ‘undermined’ as teachers have said they lack confidence.
Wales’s largest education union has responded to the National Assembly’s Children, Young People and Education Committee Report into School funding in Wales.
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary NEU comments on the release of today’s SATs results.
With this year’s SATs results published today, the findings of the largest poll of primary school practitioners ever undertaken gives a ringing endorsement of the National Education Union’s (NEU) campaign to end damaging high-stakes tests in primary schools. It also sends a clear message to Government that the current assessment system must change.
Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary NEU comments on Free schools: The next 10 years, a report by the New Schools Network which calls for the 92 ‘orphan’ schools rated inadequate to be taken over by parent and community groups rather than wait any longer for a suitable academy sponsor.
One need only look at this week’s Teacher Workforce statistics from his own department, to see that teachers are leaving at an alarming rate.
The National Education Union’s latest survey of supply teachers shows that, despite a teacher shortage and regardless of the Government’s efforts to regulate the supply teacher market, the majority of supply teachers are reporting lower levels of pay compared with previous years. They are also finding it harder than ever before to obtain work.
NEU members and parents are celebrating the decision today to postpone the transfer of Waltham Holy Cross to an Academy chain, NET Academies Trust.
The latest data on the school workforce in England will give teachers and parents further cause for concern.
The EBacc policy has reduced the breadth of subjects offered in many secondary schools, limited opportunities for our children, and driven many staff out of the teaching profession.
Today, the National Education Union releases Progress off-track, a new snapshot briefing indicating how England and the UK are performing with the Sustainable Development Goals in relation to education and social justice.
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary, NEU comments on Elitist Britain 2019, a report from the Sutton Trust and Social Mobility Commission which looks at the educational background of over 5,000 of Britain’s leading and “influential” people.
The National Education Union has found that as of January 2019, up to 8,587 children and young people with SEND are currently classed as ‘awaiting provision’ for a school place, and have no access to any type of educational provision at all. This is significantly higher than previously known.
England’s teachers are highly motivated by the opportunity to influence children’s development or contribute to society – 93% of teachers cited these factors as major motivations for joining the profession, according to the findings of the OECD’s first volume of its Teaching and Learning International Survey (Talis) 2018.
Staff take 2 more days of action to protect the most vulnerable students in North Yorkshire and form the “Working together walk”
This coming Saturday, parents, MPs, councillors and trade unionists meet in London for the Together for Education rally.
Speaking ahead of the Education Minister's statement on Adult Learners' Week, David Evans, Wales secretary NEU Cymru, said: "We need to value our adult learners and make sure the FE and adult learning sectors are properly planned for and funded."
Commenting on an announcement by Theresa May that every new teacher will be trained in spotting the signs of mental health issues, Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary NEU, said: “The aspiration to train school staff to spot signs of mental illness amongst pupils is welcome, but it will amount to little more than a sticking plaster."
Commenting on the announcement of 22 new free schools, Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary NEU, said: “After nine years of this failed policy, the Government’s claims about the successes of the free schools project ring hollow."
Welcoming the Education Minister's statement today, David Evans, Wales secretary NEU Cymru said: "Workload is an extremely important issue to education professionals here in Wales and it is welcome that the Minister has committed to looking at this."
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary NEU comments on “We Need To Talk: Access to Speech and Language Therapy”, a report published today by Anne Longfield, the Children’s Commissioner for England.
Reacting to the debate on "Tackling Poverty" in the Assembly yesterday, David Evans, Wales secretary NEU Cymru said: "NEU Cymru members are clear - tackling poverty is a critical issue for education professionals in Wales, and key to improving schools and colleges for learners"
David Evans, secretary NEU Cymru comments on today’s decision by First Minister Mark Drakeford to scrap plans to build the £1.4bn M4 relief road around Newport, Wales.
The National Education Union is supporting today’s (Thursday) SEND National Crisis campaign day by joining its call on Government to provide more money for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). More than 25 events are happening nationwide.
School Cuts Cymru are today, 27th May, launching their campaign at the Urdd National Eisteddfod in Cardiff Bay.
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union has commented on the provisional statistics for the summer 2019 exam series, published today by Ofqual.
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, has commented on the announcement by Labour that climate change will form part of the core curriculum from primary school onwards,
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, comments on the announcement of £2,000 incentive payments in addition to existing bursaries for maths and physics teachers.
Commenting on the final report by Philip Alston, which identifies the “tragic consequences” of “ideological” cuts to public services since 2010, Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, said: “This report is further evidence that the government must reverse benefit freezes that have left millions of children in poverty."
Commenting on Child Poverty figures released today, David Evans, Wales Secretary for the National Education Union said: "Rates of poverty in Wales have risen when compared to other parts of the UK is shocking - but it is not a shock."
Commenting on Conservative plans to scrap the Welsh Bacc, David Evans, Wales Secretary for National Education Union Cymru, said: "We are broadly supportive of the Welsh Bacc, but believe it has had some problems which mean it has less value than originally intended."
Government figures show that 9,600 primary schools in England have registered for take-up of the Baseline assessment.* This is down from 16,766 primary schools in 2018.
Commenting on the new inspection arrangements for Ofsted, Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “Ofsted is not proposing to abandon data as a key factor in its inspection judgements."
National Education Union members at The John Roan School, a secondary in Greenwich will be taking further strike action on Tuesday 14 May as part of their ongoing campaign to revoke the academy order imposed on the school and stop its forced academisation.
Doug McAvoy, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers between 1989 and 2004, has died at the age of 80.
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union has commented on 16-19 Education Funding: Trends and Implications, a report published today by the Education Policy Institute (EPI).
A recent Freedom of Information Request to local authorities by NEU Cymru has shown that almost £114 million has been spent on staff from private supply teacher agencies in the three academic years to August 2018.
Commenting on the Timpson Review on exclusions, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “We know that the vast majority of schools want only the best for all their pupils, and the minority who engage in poor practice in relation to exclusions and ‘off rolling’ are not typical of the majority of schools. "
The National Executive of the National Education Union (NEU) has voted to oppose Ineos’s sponsorship of the Daily Mail initiative because it endangers the future of the young generation through fracking and plastics production.
Commenting on the call for evidence on SEND funding announced today by Damian Hinds, Rosamund McNeil, Assistant General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: "For too long, children with SEND have been disgracefully let down by this Government".
Speaking ahead of the Plaid Cymru debate on workers’ rights, NEU Cymru’s Wales Secretary David Evans said: “We would welcome a 'collective bargaining' approach to School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions negotiations here in Wales.
Commenting on the today’s report by the Social Mobility Commission, Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: "This report shows that Theresa May’s promise to make ‘Britain a Country that works for everyone’ is clearly failing".
Commenting on the passing of Motion 36 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “NEU members are calling on politicians and the public to recognise the weakened and fragmented state of the post-16 sector.
Commenting on the passing of Motion 10 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “Alongside everything we need education to achieve, we need it to give children the confidence to follow their own individual interests.
Commenting on the passing of Motions 20 and 22 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “NEU members have supported two motions calling for urgent action to stop the exploitation of supply teachers and schools by employment agencies.
Commenting on the passing of Motion 30 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: "The resolution demonstrates the conviction of those who work in English education that our system of assessment and accountability is not fit for purpose".
Commenting on the passing of Motion 37 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “The 2016 Trade Union Act was a blatant attempt by the Conservative Government to weaken the ability of trade unionists to take action to defend their jobs, pay and working conditions.
Commenting on the passing of Motion 35 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “With this resolution, the Union adds its voice to the rising concern about the effects and educational value of exams at 16+.
This year’s Fred & Anne Jarvis Award has been given to campaigner Madeleine Holt.
Commenting on Unexplained Pupil Exits From Schools: A Growing Problem?, the Education Policy Institute (EPI)’s major new analysis, Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: "The issue of 'offrolling' is rising up the political agenda. NEU members' concerns about offrolling led the Union to sponsor this EPI research into informal exclusions".
Commenting on the passing of Motion 32 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: "Progress against racism in workplaces is far too slow.
Commenting on the passing of Motion 33 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “Disabled teachers are undervalued for the contribution they make to their schools and colleges.
Commenting on the passing of Motion 31 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “As the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights notes* the occupation of Palestine continues to severely impact on the lives of millions of Palestinians,
The winner of the 2019 Steve Sinnott International Solidarity Award is Dave Harvey, of Croydon NEU and ex-chair of the union’s International Solidarity Sub-Committee.
Commenting on the passing of Motion 29 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “The current draconian approach to the education of children and young people is turning our schools into Exam Factories and squeezing the joy and creativity out of the classroom.
Commenting on the passing of Motion 28 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “All children and young people have a right to a high-quality education in a good local school.
Mental health problems amongst young people hit “crisis point”, according to findings of NEU survey
Liz Mills is the winner of this year’s Nikki Simpson Award for Learning.
Today the Joint General Secretaries of the NEU today presented awards to the Representative and Officer of the Year for 2018/19. These awards recognise the hard work of reps and officers in the Union.
Commenting on the passing of Motion 23 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “The NEU is appalled at the continued off-rolling and illegal exclusion of too many SEND pupils and wants the government to address the underlying pressures which lead schools to take such action.
Commenting on Jeremy Corbyn’s speech at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union in Liverpool, Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “It is good to hear a politician who understands the depth of the educational crisis, and the urgency of finding solutions to it.
NEU members have voted to reject the Government’s policy on teachers’ pay, including its unprecedented decision to reject the recommendations of the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) on the 2018 pay increase
Commenting on the passing of an urgency motion on LGBT+ rights at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “It is crucial that every young person can feel happy and safe at school but too many LGBT+ young people still don't feel they can be themselves at school.
Commenting on the passing of Motion 19 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “Workload in schools remains a significant problem, posing a major threat to schools’ effectiveness and pupils’ learning and is driving the teacher recruitment and retention crisis.
Commenting on the passing of Motion 18 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “We are entering unchartered waters in Wales following the devolution of pay and conditions for school teachers in September 2018.
A new report from UK civil society organisation Global Justice Now and the National Education Union, the largest education union in Europe, launches today.
Survey of NEU members shows workload is out of control and driving people out of profession.
Commenting on the passing of Motion 16 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
Commenting on the passing of Motion 15 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
Commenting on the passing of Motion 13 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “It is vital for both young people and the economy that technical qualifications have parity of esteem with academic ones.
Commenting on the passing of Motion 12 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “The National Education Union is extremely concerned about the threat to teachers’ pensions in independent schools.
Commenting on the passing of Motion 9 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “Racism is a pernicious thread that runs through society both at home and abroad.
Kauser Jan is the winner of this year’s Blair Peach Award.
Commenting on the passing of Motion 8 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “Climate change is a public health emergency and NEU members and the children they teach are at the forefront of this crisis.
Commenting on the passing of Motion 7 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “After nine years of the academy programme, there is still no evidence to suggest that turning a school into an academy raises standards of education or brings any benefit whatsoever.
Commenting on the passing of Motion 6 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “The outcry about the state of school and sixth form college funding continues.
Special needs provision in England has lost out on £1.2bn because of shortfalls in funding increases from central government since 2015.
Increased concern about worsening levels of child poverty and its impact on learning, according to survey of NEU members.
Commenting on Ofsted’s education inspection framework consultation which closes today, Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
Commenting on the Department for Education’s proposal of a new register for all children not being educated in school, Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
A letter from the National Education Union (NEU) urging Education Secretary Damian Hinds to end the school funding crisis has been signed by 1,115 local councillors.(1)
The Home Secretary should accept the impact the decimation of youth services has had, leaving very few safe places for children to go outside of school hours or during the holidays.
The School Cuts coalition analysis* of the latest Government school funding figures shows a shortfall in funding of £5.4 billion over the past three years with 91% of schools in England affected.
A report to be launched today by Education International (EI), the global education union confederation, lifts the lid on the activities of so-called ‘philanthropic’ organisations involved in promoting the commercialisation, marketisation and privatisation of education systems around the world.
NEU comments on the newly released Government’s International Education Strategy: global potential, global growth.
Commenting on the results of a YouGov survey commissioned by More than a Score, released today, which shows the level of school leaders’ frustrations with the Government’s assessment regime, Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
David Evans, NEU Cymru Secretary welcomes the Education Minister and the Welsh Government pension funding.
Commenting on the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Spring Statement, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
The Chancellor’s Spring Statement today (Wednesday) must address the “national emergency” faced by our schools and colleges due to a lack of funding.
Responding to a Welsh Government statement on a report by Professor Mick Waters, Teaching: A valued profession, David Evans, Wales Secretary for the NEU Cymru said:
MPs in England have been contacted by teachers, headteachers and support staff of the National Education Union and School Cuts Coalition supporters asking them to attend today’s Westminster Hall debate on school funding.
The National Education Union’s largest ever survey of support staff* in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, published today, shows members are struggling to cope with real-terms funding cuts and the consequent additional pressures on workload.
Commenting on data from the TUC to mark Work Your Proper Hours Day (1 March), showing that teachers do more unpaid overtime than any other workers, totalling 462 million hours per year,
Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union comments on the announcement by Nick Gibb that the DfE will be looking for schools to take part in a pilot scheme for the proposed baseline assessment tests.
Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union comments on the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER)’s first annual report on the teacher labour market in England.
Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education comments on the decision by the Department for Education to lift its academy order against William Torbitt Primary School in Redbridge.
Organisations representing the overwhelming majority of teachers and school leaders in England have written to the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) urging it to ignore pressure from the government to cap the teachers’ pay award at 2%. The unions are calling on the STRB to recommend a fully-funded 5% pay increase in September 2019
Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union comments on a report from an All-Party Parliamentary Group on social mobility, published today.
David Evans, Wales Secretary of the National Education Union Cymru expresses concern about increased Estyn Inspections.
Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary NEU comments on remarks by Robert Halfon MP that GCSEs should be scrapped and A-Levels replaced with a baccalaureate system.
Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary NEU comments on the UK Chief Medical Officer’s review on the impact of screen time on children and young people’s mental health, published today.
The results of a snapshot survey* of 1,026 primary and secondary school teachers in England, shows the alarming levels of inadequate and underfunded provision for pupils with SEND.
Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the NEU comments on the Department for Education’s launch of new application criteria for free schools.
National Education Union Cymru, notes Education Minister Kirsty Williams' commitment to lifelong learning, during Education Minister's Questions today.
David Evans, Wales Secretary of the National Education Union Cymru, welcomes Education Minister's reiteration that wellbeing of staff is as important as wellbeing of learners, during Education Minister's questions today.
Almost 34,000 teachers have responded to a National Education Union pay survey, which shows alarming levels of dissatisfaction both with levels of pay and with the performance related pay (PRP) system in schools.
Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the NEU has commented on the DfE’s submission to the School Teachers’ Review Body which suggests a 2% pay increase for teachers
David Evans, Secretary of NEU Cymru Wales, notes that this year's results of the Categorisation system in Wales show that schools in Wales remain 'stable', in terms of their "improvement" category.
Organisations representing the overwhelming majority of teachers and school leaders in England have urged the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) to recommend an immediate pay increase of 5% for all teachers and leaders, which should be funded in full by the Government.
Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the NEU has commented on the release of the Department for Education’s recruitment and retention strategy.
David Evans, Secretary of NEU Cymru Wales welcomes the consultation on the new Curriculum "Our National Mission: A Transformational Curriculum".
Nansi Ellis, Assistant General Secretary NEU has commented on the secondary school performance tables, published today by the Department for Education.
Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union has commented on the Education Secretary’s call for more academies, and the Department for Education’s analysis of sponsored academies.
Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the NEU has commented on Academy accounts and performance, the report of the Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
The Joint Union Asbestos Committee which comprises the education and support staff unions (ASCL, GMB, NAHT, NASUWT, NEU, UCU, UNISON, Unite and Voice) and the Asbestos in Schools Group, Chaired by Emma Hardy MP are today responding to the asbestos recommendations in the Public Accounts Committee report into Academy accounts and performance.
82,487 teachers taking part in the National Education Union’s consultation of members have given a ringing endorsement of the School Cuts campaign.
Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary NEU has commented on new research from the Education Policy Institute, analysing the childcare workforce in England.
James Cleverly, the Deputy Chair of the Conservative Party, has complained to the UK Statistics Authority about the figures on the School Cuts website. We stand by those figures.
Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary NEU has commented on the launch of Ofsted’s consultation on how it inspects schools, early years settings and further education and skills providers.
Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary, National Education Union, has commented on the Chief Inspector of Ofsted’s admission that focus on data has been a major factor in schools becoming exam factories.
Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union has commented on an Education Policy Institute report, published today, which looks at current school finances.
Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union has commented on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report Mental health services for children and young people.
New analysis by the National Education Union of the Schools Block funding allocations show the Government has not even matched their previous woefully inadequate promises on school funding. The Government has delayed and delayed the publication of these figures. The reason now is clear.
Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union has commented on the Sutton Trust report Chain Effects 2018, published today.
A National Education Union snapshot poll of 1,026 teachers* in England paints a harrowing picture of the increase in poverty seen in our schools and the daily impact it is having on children and young people.
Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, has commented on the Government’s school holiday programme for disadvantaged children.
Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, has commented on today’s publication of primary school performance tables.
Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, has commented on the release of the Ofsted Annual Report
Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary, National Education Union has commented on the release of the trainee number census for 2018-19.
A poll of young people shows gaps in Relationship and Sex Education on sexual grooming, abusive relationships and how to get help if they are sexually assaulted.
Trade unions, campaigners, councillors, parents and school students to march for education on Tuesday 20 November 2018.
The National Education Union’s 2018 independent sector pay & conditions survey reveals that pay in private schools is failing to keep pace with inflation, and that staff continue to experience high levels of workload, much of it unpaid.
Following the Government’s failure to address the school and college funding crisis in last week’s Budget, three education unions are taking the unprecedented step of simultaneously consulting with their respective members on what steps to take next.
Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, has commented on the publication of the Department for Education’s response to the Teacher Workload Advisory Group report on data.
Andrew Morris, Assistant General Secretary of the National Education Union, has commented on research by the IFS which reflects on the historical skew towards the rich in public spending on education.
Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, has commented on the Chancellor’s Budget Speech, delivered today in the Commons.
Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, has commented on the Prime Minister’s speech at Conservative Party Conference.
Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, has commented on Equity in Education, the latest report in the Pisa series from the OECD.
Nansi Ellis, Assistant General Secretary, National Education Union has commented on statistics released today by the Department for Education for 2017/18.
This week the DfE reopened its ‘Asbestos Management Assurance Process’, an exercise which asks school employers to declare whether they are compliant with their legal duty to manage asbestos in their schools.
Headteachers and teachers across England are being encouraged to write to their MPs over the school funding crisis in the run-up to the Budget on 29 October.
Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union has commented on the latest report from the Education Policy Institute (EPI).
Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, has commented on 'The apprenticeships ladder of opportunity: quality not quantity', a report by the House of Commons Education Committee,
Commenting on the Education Secretary’s speech at the Conservative Party Conference, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
The National Education Union has long been concerned that unnecessary practices surrounding marking, planning, and data collection in schools, is having a significant impact on teacher workload.
The NEU unveils three billboards during the Conservative party conference in Birmingham asking Damian Hinds three questions around funding for schools.
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union comments on the emergency education motion passed at today’s Liberal Democrat Party conference.
Comment on the government's confirmation of the teachers' pay award and distribution of the teachers' pay grant, which for the first time in 27 years ignores the advice of the STRB.
Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, has commentied on the OECD’s Education at a Glance report.
The National Education Union believes the current school inspection system is not fit for purpose. There is an inconsistent approach to the use of data and the approach taken by inspectors, and serious concerns about the quality of inspectors.
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary, National Education Union, comments on the report 'Religion and World Views the Way Forward'.
Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, has commented on the Government’s latest announcement of 53 new free schools and one UTC.
Commenting on the Local Government Association’s (LGA) analysis into the lack of secondary school places, Nansi Ellis, Assistant General Secretary of the National Education Union, said
Commenting on the Department for Education’s School Resource Management Strategy, released today, Nansi Ellis, Assistant General Secretary of the National Education Union, said
Department for Education announces pilot intended to “boost early language skills” from September - comment by Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union.
Congratulations to students, but new GCSEs are narrowing the curriculum and adding to student stress, says Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union.
Members that are affected by the closure of St Christopher’s School will be supported through the process of redundancy - John Richardson, National Official at the National Education Union comments.
The National Education Union fully supports Labour’s call to reinstate the education maintenance allowance (EMA).
The NEU is fighting to help two members who worked at an education services company owned by ex-Manchester City footballer Jamie Pollock get the pay their owed after he terminated their employment with a weeks notice.
Congratulations to students and staff but warning that there is increase in mental health issues and a narrowing of the curriculum with new assessment model, NEU says.
NEU comments on the breakdown of results in this year's A-Levels.
Changes to this year’s GCSEs and A-levels have damaged students’ mental health, according to a snap-shot poll by the National Education Union.
The Government’s announcement of a network of ‘language hubs’ designed to boost the take-up of Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) at GCSE level, is not enough to address the shortage of MFL teachers, the NEU says.
An NEU survey of 657 secondary teachers by the National Education Union shows growing concern amongst teachers that young people are not getting enough food to eat over the summer holidays.
Academy sector and schools as a whole are feeling the effects of an unsustainable funding model, NEU says.
The Education Policy Institute’s Education in England has published it's Annual Report 2018 - Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, comments.
The Education Committee report highlights the exclusion of pupils from schools in England - Comment by Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union.
Nick Gibb’s statement on school revenue funding for 2019-2020 will do nothing to alleviate the enormous pressure on school budgets, Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union says.
ASCL, NAHT and NEU responded to the announcement of a 3.5% pay increase for classroom teachers on the main pay range and the Department for Education’s commitment to funding part of this pay award.
Nick Gibb’s written statement to Parliament ignores the fact that recent reports show education funding is in crisis - Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union comments.
Capita is set to make a vast profit at the expense of young primary children’s mental health and well-being, after the award of a £109 million contract by the government, says the NEU.
Joint union letter to Damien Hinds requesting an urgent response to the School Teachers’ Review Body report on teachers’ pay for September 2018.
Research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) shows an 8% decline in funding for England’s schools since 2010, and 5% for Wales in the same period - Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union comments.
The NEU welcomes a report from the Public Accounts Committee into converting schools to academies, and agrees with its recommendations.
Today’s announcement means that, despite the hard work of teachers and pupils, over a third of 11-year-olds will arrive in secondary schools in September labelled as ‘below the expected standard,’ says NEU.
Children crying, having nightmares and being so stressed they needed extra support to cope with SATs were highlighted by primary teachers in a National Education Union (NEU) survey on the primary assessment.
BERA’s expert panel has demonstrated that the Government’s plans for baseline assessment are built on wishful thinking, not evidence, say the NEU.
A UCL report on social mobility confirms what the NEU has been warning about for some years, says Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union.
The School Workforce Census statistics show the number of teachers has now fallen to the lowest level since 2013 - with more qualified teachers leaving the profession than the number entering.
Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, has commented on an analysis of teachers’ pay published by the Taxpayers’ Alliance.
Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, comments on today’s written statement on Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Almost half (49%) of education staff say secondary school pupils have been suicidal because of stress they are under, according to a survey of the National Education Union (NEU), released at the ATL section annual conference.
Teaching assistants, school administrators and other support staff are having to work overtime to cope with the increasing workload as schools cut staffing to cope with budget cuts, according to a National Education Union survey released today by the ATL section of the union at its annual conference in Liverpool.
The continuing presence of asbestos in the majority of schools and academies is a national scandal - putting the lives of pupils and staff at risk.
Initial findings from the latest NEU workload survey, of 8,173 members show the continuing scale of the workload problem facing teachers and the impact this is having on their willingness to stay in the profession.
Growing child poverty is affecting children’s learning, say NEU education professionals, and schools and education staff are increasingly providing the services and essentials of daily life to stop families falling through the cracks
The latest NEU survey of 900 members in local authority schools and academies paints a bleak picture about the state of school funding in our schools.
NEU comment on the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) study showing that teachers work the longest hours.
Teaching assistants, school librarians and lab technicians are facing a soaring workload as staff are cut and they are increasingly being expected to teach, according to a National Education Union (NEU) survey of over 1,700 support staff members.
The Government is finally beginning to recognise the teacher shortage crisis, but it remains to be seen if today’s announcement makes any practical difference.
Teaching children and young people personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) and relationships and sex education (RSE) is vital, according to a survey of members of the National Education Union (NEU).
The National Education Union is calling for a significant pay increase for teachers to help address the growing crisis in teacher recruitment and retention, pay teachers fairly and help deliver the best possible education for pupils.
NEU welcomes the news that St Phillip's Primary School in Romsey has decided not to convert into an academy or join an MAT.
Teachers’ pay continues to be cut because schools are increasingly failing to give them cost of living increases as well as denying them pay progression, the National Education Union’s annual national pay survey shows.
Kevin Courtney comments on the Ofsted Annual Report, presented today by its Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman.
New research from the National Education Union and UK Feminista – “It’s just everywhere”: Sexism in schools and how we tackle it - shows that the sexual harassment of girls in schools is widespread.
With no significant new money for education, the budget shows that the government has chosen to ignore the anger of parents and clear evidence of the damage caused by funding cuts.
Education unions - the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), the National Education Union (NEU), UCAC, and Voice – are calling for an immediate, fully funded, 5% pay rise for all teachers.
In a joint letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, ten bodies representing further education staff, students and providers have called for extra funding to ensure a “stable and well-resourced further education sector” which can meet different needs and ambitions.
Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union comments on the publication of Ofsted’s five-year strategy for delivering “its mission of improving the lives of children and young people”.
Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union comments on the Sutton Trust report Closing Gaps Early, published today.
Following the announcement on school funding by Justine Greening last week, the picture remains bleak.
The National Education Union is deeply disappointed that the Government has decided to introduce the Reception Baseline Assessment and Multiplication Tables Check.
Nine of AQA’s vocational qualifications have not been approved by Department for Education - comment from Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union
The Department for Education’s (DfE) has announced that more free schools will open this term.
A survey by Eteach on teacher recruitment and retention is commented on by Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union.
The largest education union in the UK comes into force - with the amalgamation of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) and the National Union of Teachers (NUT) creating the National Education Union, the largest education union in the UK.
A poll by the NEU finds seven-in-ten further education (FE) college staff working in England have considered leaving the sector, as workloads rise and many suffer from stress.
