Press

Sutton Trust report on exams

Sutton Trust report shows continuing impact of pandemic on this year's exams

Cost of School Uniforms Squeeze Family Finances during Cost-of-Living Crisis

NEU Northern Ireland calls for review of cost of school uniforms during once in a generation cost-of-living crisis.

Education unions condemn botched teacher pay award

Joint unions express grave concerns over damage to education system of 2022/23 teacher pay award.

Teacher pay

Teachers don’t want to strike – they want to be in the classroom teaching our pupils. But we cannot stand by and watch the biggest real-terms decline in teacher pay this century.

School Funding

The Government needs to recognise the changed circumstances since the 2021 Spending Review and put more money into our children’s futures.   

School attendance figures

Pupil absences have risen by over 50% in the past four weeks: more than one in eight pupils are now off school.

Child Poverty Figures

These are appalling figures, behind which are real lives and real suffering. This is the harsh truth of life in the UK today.

Plans to Refurbish 61 Schools  

£1 billion on school buildings is welcome, but schools have faced capital funding cuts much larger. 

James Cleverly

As the eighth Secretary of State for Education since 2014, and the third since Tuesday, we hope that James Cleverly will immediately address the issues that are vital to young children and the teaching profession.

Department for Education

It is simply not credible to claim a government is still governing when the education department is almost entirely empty.

Cabinet Reshuffle

NEU comments on the appointment of Nadhim Zahawi as Chancellor and Michelle Donelan as Education Secretary.

Key Stage 2 SATs Data

Students and teachers have worked incredibly hard this year, but it remains the case that SATs and other statutory tests do not support children’s learning. 

EPI on Teacher Pay

An inflation-plus pay rise for all teachers is essential, especially now we are in a cost-of-living crisis with RPI inflation standing at 11.7%.

LGA on Special Needs Support

Call to scrap High Needs deficits and boost for mainstream inclusion is correct - but more fundamental changes in attitudes and approach are needed.

Teacher pay in Wales

Given this very poor pay proposal, NEU Cymru will ballot our members in the autumn. We simply cannot allow these attacks on our members pay and their standards of living to continue. 

Wales : Planned changes to the school year

82.9% of NEU Cymru members surveyed are concerned about the change in the pattern of the school year.

Wales : NEU Cymru welcomes extra INSET day for schools

Extra INSET days to support the new curriculum were hard fought for by the unions, to support the workforce to plan for their learners.

STEM teacher shortages

National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) report on teacher shortages in STEM subjects.

IFS on Inequalities in Early Child Development 

A sobering report that shows how unequal the life chances of different groups of young people remain. 

NEU calls for inflation-plus pay increase for all teachers

NEU joint general secretaries write to Nadhim Zahawi as inflation hits 11.7% 

NFER on Apprenticeships

The NEU believes that financially incentivising training providers and employers would go a long way to helping young people into employment and training.

EPI on the teaching workforce 

Deep rooted problems with teacher recruitment and retention have not been solved.

Times Education Commission report 

This report is another indicator of the gulf between government policies and the needs of education.

Government Food Strategy Rejects Extension of Free School Meals

The Government is once again ignoring advice from its own expert advisers in rejecting the call to make sure all families on Universal Credit are eligible for FSM.

Overseas Teachers

The NEU entirely agrees with the minister that the expertise that schools can draw upon shouldn't be limited by geographical location.

New school places 

Education Secretary announces 14,000 extra school places as well as new free schools and standalone sixth forms.

Rise in free school meals eligibility

The number of children eligible for Free School Meals has risen to 1,897,449, an increase of 49% over the 1,270,914 children eligible in 2019

New DfE Data on Schools and Pupils

It is clear that the problems are getting worse - even before the impact of the Government's plans to cut the value of teacher pay. 

EPI/UCL-IOE on Underperforming Schools

The report makes a number of important conclusions. As the Education Bill makes its way through the legislative process, Ministers must review the impact of academisation on primary schools.

Legal Filing on Holland Park School

NEU joins legal filing against unlawful move to force Holland Park School into a multi-academy trust.

Guidance for schools on trans pupils

Discrimination against trans pupils is illegal under the 2010 Equality Act.

Government’s Academisation Plans

Further academisation does not figure on the list of priorities for anyone involved in education.

Latest inflation figure

RPI inflation hit 11% in April, its highest in over 40 years.

OSR slams Government evidence for forcing multi-academy trusts

The Office for Statistics Regulation has today agreed with the NEU’s complaint about the Government’s evidence document.

NFER on Ethnic Disparities in the Teaching Workforce

At a time when Black teachers especially in senior positions are so under-represented, it is unacceptable that the pipeline to teaching careers is blighted with racial disparities.

Covid-19 Inquiry Terms of Reference

NEU comments on recommendation to include the impact on children and young people in the Baroness Hallett Inquiry’s remit.

Demand for SEND support continues to outstrip funding from Government

The Government continues to underfund SEND education, and its SEND and Alternative Provision Green Paper does not contain the scale of ambition required to tackle this crisis.

Schools Bill

To be relevant to real world problems, the Schools Bill needs comprehensive amendment.

Queen’s Speech

The Government claims that its new Schools Bill will level up education opportunity. It will do no such thing. It displays an alarming lack of aspiration and ambition.

Ofqual on Qualifications for 2022/23

Commenting on the announcement of subject content and assessment arrangements for 2022/23

LGA on Maintained Schools Outperforming Academies

Comment on a new report from the Local Government Association

30 years of Ofsted

Teachers across England mark 30 years of Ofsted with hand delivered 'unhappy' birthday cards

Ofqual's 3 year plan for examinations

Ofqual are right that the pandemic has catalysed questions about assessment in England, however the questions they ​address are far too limited

Anne Longfield’s Commission on Young Lives Report

The NEU shares the concerns from this report about the disproportionate exclusions of Black, SEND and poor students.

DfE launch of Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy

Comment on the launch of the Department for Education’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, including the introduction of a Natural History GCSE

Social care and looked after children

Comment on the passing of Motion 24 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union,

Promoting sustainable active travel

Comment on the passing of Motion 23 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union,

Poverty, disadvantage and education in coastal schools

Commenting on the passing of Motion 22 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

State of Education: Assessment

In the latest annual survey of 1,788 National Education Union members, conducted ahead of Annual Conference in Bournemouth, we asked about nationally set assessments, including Key Stage 2, GCSEs and A Levels.

Conference votes to stop toxic testing

Comment on the passing of Motion 39 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union,

Assessment system fit for the future

Comment on the passing of Motion 8 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Exclusions

Comment on the passing of Motion 21 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Conversion therapy

Comment on the passing of an urgent motion at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Value Education, Value Educators

Comment on the passing of Motion 47 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Defending reps in the workplace

Comment on the passing of Motion 45 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Long Covid

Comment on the passing of Motion 44 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Palestine

Commenting on the passing of Motion 43 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Unio

Pay claim

Comment on the passing of Motion 14 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Valuing Educators, Valuing Support Staff

Comment on the passing of Motion 13 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Support Staff Conditions

Comment on the passing of Motion 12 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Subject leadership in schools

Comment on the passing of Motion 11 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Schools White Paper

Comment on the passing of an urgent motion on the Schools White Paper at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Academisation and the privatisation of education

Comment on the passing of Motion 38 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

School Libraries

Comment on the passing of Motion 37 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Tackling Pornography

Comment on the passing of Motion 36 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Education funding

Comment on the passing of Motion 35 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Primary education

Comment on the passing of Motion 34 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

State of Education: Poverty

The latest annual survey of 1,788 National Education Union members, conducted ahead of Annual Conference in Bournemouth, shows the strength of feeling about and widespread witnessing of child poverty in England’s schools.

A national contract for education

Comment on the passing of Motion 33 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Michael Fabricant

Comment on remarks made by Michael Fabricant MP following the announcement of fixed penalty notices for the Prime Minister and Chancellor

Coming out

Comment on the passing of Motion 20 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Fighting for Support Staff

Commenting on the passing of Motion 42 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Vocational education

Comment on the passing of Motion 41 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Mothers in prison and the impact on their children

Comment on the passing of Motion 19 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Adult mental health in education

Comment on the passing of Motion 18 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

SEND – fighting for a fairer system

Comment on the passing of Motion 32 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Independent school staff face burgeoning workloads and shrinking pay packets

In the latest survey of 1,200 NEU members working as teachers and support staff in independent schools, there is a clear trend in falling living standards. And as pay stagnates, workload remains high.

Launch of NEU Anti-Racist Charter

Comment on the launch of the National Education Union’s Anti-Racist Charter framework at Annual Conference in Bournemouth

State of Education: mental health of young people and pandemic recovery

The NEU's State of Education survey findings on the mental health challenges in schools

Challenging stereotypes and fighting for liberation

Comment on the passing of Motion 31 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union,

Pride and power for disabled members

Comment on the passing of Motion 30 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Supporting Black members, Black Lives Matter

Comment on the passing of Motion 29 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Windrush - the forgotten workers

Comment on the passing of Motion 17 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Climate crisis

Comment on the passing of Motion 16 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Anti-Racism

Comment on the passing of Motion 15 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Child Q

Comment on the passing of an urgent motion on Children’s Rights and Police in Schools at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Replace Ofsted campaign launch

Today, the National Education Union (NEU) has launched a new accountability campaign and national petition calling for the replacement of Ofsted with a new approach to school and college evaluation which is supportive, effective and fair.

Pay

Comment on the passing of Motion 10 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Workload and a national contract for the future

Comment on the passing of Motion 9 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

GCSEs and A Levels

Comment on the passing of Motion 7 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

Building Back Better demands an inclusive curriculum for all

Comment on the passing of Motion 6 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

NEU comment on Ofsted motion at Annual Conference

Comment on the passing of Motion 5 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union

State of Education: Ofsted

School inspection and Ofsted’s credibility gap

State of Education: The Profession

The latest annual survey of 1,788 National Education Union members, conducted ahead of Annual Conference in Bournemouth, shows a rise in the number of teachers intending to leave the profession.

Teachers’ unions come together to launch a pay campaign

With inflation running at 6.2% and projected by the Bank of England to rise to over 8% in the time ahead teachers are right to have rejected the pay offer made to them.

National Tutoring Programme

It's a relief that the feedback from schools has been heeded.

Covid Measures in Education Settings

Measures are being relaxed at a time when Covid-19 cases are surging in schools and colleges. This makes no sense.

Government's evidence for forcing schools into MATs badly flawed

NEU analysis of the Government document shows that the evidence for forcing schools into MATs is badly flawed. 

SEND Green Paper

A relief to see SEND and AP education are a priority for the Education Secretary.

Schools White Paper

This is a White Paper which does not reflect on the mistakes of the past, does not address the problems of the Covid-19 present and does not have the answers for the future.

NEU Cymru welcomes mental health support for education

Extra money for mental health support for the education workforce should mean that schools are able to identify and support staff with their wellbeing.

NEU Cymru welcomes extra £25 million for Free School Meal roll out

We hope this policy will increase take up of free school meals

White paper plans longer school week

Schools white paper to outline plans for 32.5 hour school week.

Ofsted use of 2022 SATs and GCSE results

NEU comment on the use of 2022 SATs and GCSE results by Ofsted

Public Accounts Committee on Academies

The report makes all too clear that the proposed plans are likely to be both unworkable and damaging. The rationale of the academy system - based on competition between chains - means there will always be schools that are left unsupported.

LGA on Free School Meals

The LGA is right to point out the importance of ensuring no child or young person eligible for free school meals misses out on this essential service which is vital both for pupils' education and health.

Spring Statement

The Chancellor has missed an opportunity to protect our children’s futures in his Spring Statement.

NFER on Teacher Recruitment Targets

Low pay, unmanageable workload and an overbearing accountability system is rendering the teaching profession unattractive to many.

Attendance Data for 17 March

Almost a quarter of schools have more than 15% of their teachers and school leaders absent, a figure that has more than doubled in a fortnight.

ONS Covid Infection Survey

The Government's decision to stop Covid-19 testing in schools has made education disruption more likely, not less.

NEU pension dispute at Girls' Day School Trust

GDST NEU members voted to accept employer offer.

TALIS - Mending the Education Divide

We need an education system that values teachers as professionals, and they must be able to feel ownership of their professional practice.

DfE’s Creation of Body to Share Curriculum Resources

The new curriculum body must value teachers’ expertise and genuinely harness it so that we can support collaboration.

Education Committee on Catch-Up Programme

A serious warning from the Education Committee that Government must provide enough support for disadvantaged young people or risk deepening inequalities.

IFS on the Spring Statement

The IFS research and the worsening inflation outlook reinforce the NEU's call for the restoration of the pay losses imposed on teachers and other educators since 2010.

Government evidence to School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB)

Imposing lower increases for more experienced teachers and headteachers is deeply unfair, will damage morale and will actually increase the retention problems already facing the profession.   

Joint union statement to STRB

Education unions call on the Government to repair damage to teacher and school leader pay

Education unions call on the Government to repair damage to teacher and school leader pay

Education unions are calling on the Government to avoid further pay cuts and urgently repair the damage that has already been done.

Association of Colleges report on college staffing crisis

This report exposes the lack of Government support and commitment to colleges.

Public Accounts Committee report raises concerns about school financial sustainability.

This report from the PAC highlights problems in the education system that are long standing and have seriously hindered the ability of schools to give every child the education they deserve.

NFER on Future Employment Skills

The research highlights that to help current and future students flourish in the 21st century, England must change its approach to assessment and qualifications. If no change to assessment is made, these problems will persist.

UCL on Grammar Teaching

This report adds to the accumulating evidence that the National Curriculum for English stands on weak foundations.

Post-16 Consultation

We strongly criticise the Government’s decision to de-fund AGQs which include BTECs and Cam Techs at level 3. Scrapping these will massively impact disadvantaged students who f have used these qualifications to progress to higher education and into employment for years

Hallam academy orders withdrawn

Department for Education backs down over forced academisation for schools in Hallam Diocese

Wales : Strike days at Howell's School

NEU strike days this week at Howell’s School to go ahead.

Work Your Proper Hours Day

Yet again teachers rank very highly in the list of professions working the most unpaid overtime.

School Attendance Data - 10 February

It is welcome that the effects of the Omicron wave are now fading in schools, but it would be wrong to leap to the conclusion that the fight against Covid-19 is over.

Covid Restrictions Eased

Once again an announcement has been made by the Prime Minister without any guidance for schools in place.

Political Impartiality in Schools 

There is absolutely no need for new guidance on how to appropriately handle political and social subjects in schools.

NEU teacher's pay consultation outcome

Message from the NEU Northern Ireland Regional Secretary

Historic first strike day at Girls’ Day School Trust’s independent schools

Today saw an historic strike by NEU teacher members who work in Girls' Day School Trust's 23 independent schools.

CST Report on Antisemitism

Disturbing report showing anti-Jewish hate incidents involving schools, school students and teachers in 2021.

EPI on the Disadvantage Gap

A damning verdict on the dismal record of governments over the last decade and more, with years of rhetoric and precious little effective action.

Teach First report - Pupil Premium

Restoring the value of the Pupil Premium is a necessary step if the Government is going to live up to its promise to eradicate school cuts.

Hallam Diocese forced academisation

Academy orders issued to schools in Hallam Diocese ‘unlawfully’, say education unions

Attendance Data

The fall in Covid-related absence is welcome but overall numbers still remain high.

Safer Internet Day – 8 February

The National Education Union is proud to support Safer Internet Day to promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.

Revision Help for Summer Exams

The release of this 'advanced' information comes too late.

Wales : Strike action at Howells School over pensions

In one week from now, on 10 February, teacher members of the NEU at Howells School will go on strike to defend their pensions.

GDST strike details

Countdown to strike action at GDST’s 23 independent schools

Government White Paper - Levelling Up Education

This White Paper does not provide sensible solutions to the lack of school and college funding, nor the exam factory culture.

Wales : Preparing for the new curriculum

NEU Cymru agrees more support needed to prepare for the new curriculum.

‘Levelling Up’ White Paper

Many of the schools promised support were those hardest hit by the Government's education cuts.

GDST vote yes for strike action

Teachers vote to strike over pensions in GDST’s 23 independent schools

Wales : mitigations in schools

NEU Cymru welcomes Minister’s announcement on mitigations in schools.

School attendance figures Jan 2022

Rising covid-related absences will mean disruption to education is going to get worse over the coming weeks.

ONS social mobility report

ONS report into the education and social outcomes for students receiving free school meals in England

Climate strategy in the curriculum

Joint letter to DfE on climate strategy in the curriculum

Easing of Covid restrictions in England

Schools and colleges are still feeling the impact of Covid-19. Government should be exercising a duty of care to the nation’s pupils and the staff who educate them.

UCL research into the teaching of reading

The report adds to the case for abolishing the phonics check and for stepping back from Ofsted’s enforcement of a single approach to the teaching of reading.  

NFER on Disadvantaged Pupils

We are concerned that the help that is now offered to families has been cut down to completely inadequate levels and more and more families are being pushed into poverty.

Joseph Rowntree Foundation on energy bills and poverty

Government needs to take urgent action to tackle the root causes of poverty, as well as the symptoms.

Sutton Trust on Covid-related staff absences

This report is further evidence that pupils from more deprived backgrounds are being hit hardest by coronavirus.

Latest attendance figures for education settings

It is now abundantly clear that the effects of Omicron on the operation of schools are highly significant.

Government report into impact of COVID on school recovery

This report gives a clear message to Government that listening to the profession is of vital importance.

Covid-19 mitigations in schools not sufficient

Northern Ireland Teachers’ Council (NITC) say the mitigations currently in place in schools are not sufficient to meet the challenge of adequately protecting our members or the children and young people in their care.

Government announcement on new mitigations to be brought into schools

The Government shows that it recognises the problems but has failed to provide effective solutions.

Unions call for more government support in spring term

Six trade unions representing the majority of education staff have issued a joint statement prior to the return of schools and colleges for the spring term.

Vaccines for Clinically Vulnerable Children

This announcement won't have an impact on transmission rates in schools or make a significant difference to the turbulence that schools and colleges are experiencing due to Covid. This makes the case stronger for Government to introduce better mitigations. 

Government’s Pay Remit Letter to STRB

The Government can afford to pay teachers properly and the country can't afford it not to.   

Education Secretary’s Call to Retired Teachers

With this call for retired teachers to come forward the Government is admitting they are assuming there will be substantial disruption of education in January. 

Educators 37% More Likely to Catch Covid

ONS stats shows educators 37% more likely to catch Covid than other workers.

Unions Slam College Employers over 1% Pay Offer

College staff are key in ensuring future generations have the skills they need for their own careers and the greater economic good, and shouldn’t be on poverty pay.

Shortfall in school funding will entrench social division

New NEU analysis finds distribution and shortfall in school funding will entrench social division.

NEU Cymru welcomes Relationship and Sex Education Code

The Estyn report on peer-on-peer harassment in schools in Wales shows us there is a need to support young people to make safe and healthy choices.

Start of term planning days

NEU Cymru notes additional planning days at the start of term

Labour Call for Government to Protect Education

Labour is absolutely right to call upon the Government to 'act now' so we can avoid a repeat of the chaos that schools had to endure at the start of 2021.

Attendance Figures for 9 December

Boris Johnson has not kept his eye on the ball, and his lack of action in ensuring schools have measures in place to keep on top of ever-increasing Covid-19 infection rates is shocking.

Safety Mitigations in Schools and Colleges

Boris Johnson needs to increase safety mitigations in schools and colleges.

Data on School Inspections

Routine inspections have been an ​unnecessary distraction during this term. Government has recognised this and has at least paused inspections until January, but they must go further.

Education unions call for a pause to routine Ofsted inspections

Education unions call for pause to resumption of routine Ofsted inspections until after February half term.

Mental Health Services

The findings of the select committee are damning but not surprising to those in the education sector.

Howell's School strike ballot to go ahead

NEU strike ballot to go ahead in Girl's Day School Trust's Howell's School

Government’s Plan B Measures 

Government Plan B made no mention of schools, even as rising cases are leading to so much disruption of education.

We need a plan B for schools and colleges now

The NEU is calling for the Government to introduce a plan B for schools and colleges now.

Treasury Evidence to Pay Review Bodies

The NEU thinks that this country cannot afford to even further erode the value of teachers’ pay - otherwise we will continue to fail to recruit and lose experienced teachers.

Call for equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines

NEU writes to the Prime Minister supporting call for equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines.

Strike ballot in Girls' Day School Trust's schools

Strike ballot to go ahead in Girls' Day School Trust's 23 independent schools.

Measuring Child Poverty

There needs to be clear and immediate action from every part of Government to tackle the inequalities which have widened even further because of the pandemic. 

NEU Cymru welcomes more money for music and arts education

Creative arts education should also be open to everyone, and creative activities may help our more disadvantaged learners to access the curriculum.

Pandemic impact on Key Stage 1 pupil attainment

The report rightly says that the gap will require specific targeted and continued input to support the learning of disadvantaged children.

Teacher Training Census

Successive Conservative governments have fallen short of their own teacher training targets year on year. 2021 is no different.

Estyn Annual Report 2021

NEU Cymru welcomes the focus on wellbeing in the Estyn Annual Report

Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Review

The delay by a full year to the new requirements is welcome, as are some of the other amendments to the requirements on providers and schools.

School Attendance Data for 25 November

Today's attendance figures show that the half-term fall in case rates was only temporary. Covid-related absences are on the rise in both primary and secondary, and among teachers and school staff.

Consultation on Deferring School Starting Age: Have your say.

We have been involved in the campaign to bring flexibility to Northern Ireland’s school start for over a decade, and this consultation is a welcome step.

NEU Cymru welcome increased mitigations in education

NEU Cymru looking to work with the Welsh Government to make sure learners and staff are kept as safe as possible.

Downing Street Briefing on Booster Vaccines

"We welcome the change in pace on vaccination that will now allow adults working in schools and colleges to get their booster much earlier than anticipated.

New DfE Guidance on Mitigations in Schools

We welcome the DfE guidance that masks must be worn by adults and children in year 7 and above in communal areas.

NEU LGBT+ survey 2021

NEU survey shows importance of an inclusive and representative curriculum for LGBT+ equality

Pupil Absence

Schools work hard every day to engage and support pupils who for whatever reason are absent from class.

NAO on Financial Sustainability of Schools in England

The report makes clear the perilous position of school finance at the local authority level. The deficit rose from £11 million in 2014-15 to £675 million in 2019-20.

GDST Ballot for Strike Action

NEU members ballot for strike action at independent sector Girls’ Day School Trust.

NAO on Government Preparedness for Covid-19 Pandemic

Successive Governments’ failures to plan properly for an expected pandemic have obviously contributed to the Covid crisis

School Uniforms

Any measures from Government to support families, and bring the costs of school uniform down, are welcome. 

School attendance data 2021

Half term provided a reduction in the rates of transmission, which was foreseeable, but we do not have that fire shield to get us through the remainder of autumn term.

Contingency Plans for Examinations in 2022

Teachers and leaders and pupils have again been left in limbo about how assessment would work if the exam system failed.

Education measures on climate change

DfE climate change plans for education could be welcome if well planned and resourced.

Healthy happy minds pilot for primary schools

NEU NI welcomes £5million ‘Healthy Happy Minds’ pilot for primary schools.

Latest school attendance data

Latest pupil and school staff attendance data

Unions call for quality Climate Education

British and Irish Teaching Unions' open letter for quality Climate Education

Pupil Learning Loss

Teachers worked hard for all their pupils throughout the pandemic and the needs of disadvantaged is of paramount importance to school and college leaders and their staff.

Spending Review

Today, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak had a historic opportunity to value education and value educators. Despite his rhetoric he has failed. 

Public Sector Pay

The Chancellor must make good on this latest pledge to drive up pay for the public sector.

Chancellor's announcement on post-16 education funding

Post-16 education needs £6bn more in funding over the next three years.

Education unions call for urgent action on climate change crisis

NASUWT, NEU, UCU and UNISON have written to the Secretary of State for Education urging him to take action to ensure climate change education becomes fully embedded in ​the system.

Report by Education Select Committe: White working-class pupils

The government response to sidesteps the questions of both racism and poverty.

Public Accounts Committee on School Funding

The PAC report highlights that the Government is actually doing the reverse of levelling up.

EPI on Education Recovery Funding

The scale of learning lost in the pandemic cannot be overcome by some short term, piecemeal measures such as catch-ups.

Government Covid Strategy

It’s not right for the Government to put responsibility on the people but to refuse simple actions themselves.

Attendance Data - 19 October

We welcome the announcement that vaccination centres will open for 12-15 year olds over half-term, as the NEU previously called for.

Hundreds of school staff march on Downing Street to save nursery schools

150 representatives from maintained nursery schools in England march to Downing Street to deliver a petition to the Chancellor, calling on him to ‘take urgent action’ over funding.

October 2021 infections survey

The Department for Education must act to bring down the infection rate among secondary school age pupils which is causing far too much disruption to education.

Wales - ventilating our education settings

NEU Cymru welcomes investment in ventilation.

Plaid Cymru/Labour Co-operation Agreement

NEU Cymru broadly welcomes Plaid/Labour Co-operation Agreement

LGA calls for Government to provide funding for school-based counselling

We agree with the LGA that more school-based counselling would be a sensible step given the increased number of young people with anxiety and mental health issues.

Wales national conversation on qualifications

NEU Cymru welcomes Qualifications Wales “national conversation”.

UCL research showing families in need turning to schools for support with clothing and food

Schools cannot act alone. Urgent action to tackle the scourge of child poverty is needed from the Government.

Coronavirus: safety measures in schools

Education Unions call for additional safety measures in schools

Prime Minister’s speech to Conservative Party Conference

Unreasonable and intensive workload, pay and lack of professional agency is driving teachers from the profession in ever increasing numbers. This must be addressed by the Government urgently.

Latest school attendance figures

The rise in Covid cases in schools in England is extremely worrying. Over 100,000 pupils were absent last week with a confirmed case, two-thirds of them in secondary schools.

Cuts to Universal Credit

The cut to Universal Credit contradicts the Government’s promise to level up. The help that is now offered to families has been cut down to completely inadequate levels.

NEU: Value Education, Value Educators campaign

The pandemic has proved just how valuable schools are to children, young people and society. It's time to Value Education, Value Educators.

Education Secretary speech to Conservative Party Conference

The Education Secretary has the opportunity to address the problems of education underfunding, child poverty and the pandemic.

Joint unions submission ahead of Comprehensive Spending Review

Education unions call for Prime Minister to ‘keep his promise’ on education in Comprehensive Spending Review.

Keir Starmer's 2021 Labour conference speech

Labour have understood that any Government serious about education needs both a strategy to reduce child poverty and a strategy on boosting schools' capacity to serve every local child.  

Kate Green on Education Recovery

Labour are right to focus on small group work for the students who need it because much more of this will be needed than in a normal year and this requires funds for proper staffing.  

UCL on Primary School Tests and Children’s Wellbeing

Unfortunately, the researchers have drawn conclusions about the future of primary testing based on analysis of the regime almost ten years ago.

Children in Poverty

This report demonstrates the impact of coronavirus on families living on the brink. The NEU agrees with the Committee's call for a new cross-departmental strategy to tackle child poverty.

Attendance Data - 16 September

The whole pandemic has been characterised by school and college staff doing everything they can, but Government not doing enough. This must change. 

New Education Secretary

The NEU congratulates the new Secretary of State for Education on being appointed to the most important position in the Cabinet.

NEU Cymru comment on the offer of a vaccination for 12-15-year-olds

Welsh Ministers have decided to go ahead with offering to vaccinate children.

Education unions respond jointly to STRB

Education unions respond have jointly to School Teachers' Review Body (STRB), criticising pay freeze imposed by Government. Teachers and school leaders have made an immense contribution to the country's pandemic response.

EPI on Narrowing Diversity in A Levels

A narrowing of choice at A level will have a knock-on effect on the subjects which teachers will be qualified to teach in the future, sending us into a downward spiral of diminishing diversity.

Chief Medical Officers Recommend Vaccinations for 12-15 Year Olds

The decision by the Chief Medical Officers to encourage the take up of vaccinations by 12-15 year olds will be another tool to help pupils sustain their access to education throughout the autumn and winter.     

Climate Learning Month teaching materials launched

The NEU along with others have today launched a set of climate and sustainability teaching resources to support Climate Learning Month taking place from October 2021 in the run-up to COP 26. 

UCL on Tackling Extremism

This is an important report. It reminds us about the power of education to build societies.

Nuffield Foundation on Home Learning

Teachers need extra flexibility to target support at individual students and more time to work with groups who need additional help with some subjects. This requires more teachers and more support staff. 

JCVI: no mass vaccine for 12-15

JCVI declines mass vaccination of 12-15 year olds

BMJ Research into Covid Risk for Teachers

It is very good news and very reassuring that teachers have been found not to be at greater risk of hospitalisation because of Covid.

SAGE on Schools Reopening

This statement from SAGE is a rebuke to Gavin Williamson. Nothing has been done to prepare for the possibility of large numbers of cases which will lead to lots of disruption for staff and pupils

Back to School

We all want the return to school to be successful. This charm offensive from Government relies on the notion that the removal of safety requirements will magically transform school and college life.

NEU Cymru welcomes support for NQTs

Education Minister announces support for NQTs and focus on education recovery

CO2 Monitors

This is a really welcome first step in accepting our argument that funding is needed for good ventilation. It is vital, though, that Government must also commit to supporting schools to address any ventilation problems identified by these monitors.

Sutton Trust report on Childcare in Early Years

Providing good quality early education should be considered by Government and policymakers as vitally important and a funding priority, but for too long it has been starved.

Urgent action needed on ventilation in schools

Education unions make joint call for urgent action on ventilation in schools

GCSE results 2021

This year's GCSE results can be relied upon to help students move on to their next step.

NEU Cymru comment on A level grades in Wales

Welsh students can take comfort in receiving a grade based on the merits of their own work this year.

Vocational and Technical Qualifications

Congratulations to all students for their achievements this year and all the hard work that their teachers have done to make this possible. 

A-level results 2021

Today’s results were achieved amidst unprecedented levels of disruption and adversity, but students can rest assured that they have been judged according to the work they have actually done.

Government agrees to vaccination of 16-17 year-olds

The recommendation by JCVI for the vaccination of 16 and 17-year-olds will certainly help to protect young people, their families and communities and minimise disruption to education next academic year.  

Permanent Exclusions and Suspensions

Our young people have one chance in education, and it falls to Government to ensure that the best possible environment is provided to them.

Don't scrap BTEC

Education bodies write to Gavin Williamson urging him not to scrap BTEC qualifications

Attendance Data in Education Settings

The rates of absence in schools are really down to one thing: the Government's inability to control spiralling case numbers of COVID-19. 

Education unions react to publication of STRB report on pay

Teachers and school leaders are united in their opposition to the Government's pay freeze.

Teacher pay freeze

All education staff deserve a significant pay increase, not another real-terms pay cut.

Impact of the Pandemic on Early Years

The Education Policy Institute (EPI) and National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) report into impact of the pandemic on early years.

Latest school attendance figures: week 29

The new attendance figures show that a quarter of all pupils were absent from school last week, with over a million being absent for specific Covid-related reasons.

Government decision on school performance tables 2021/22

The continued mistreatment of education professionals brings shame on this Government.

British Educational Research Association report on primary assessment

This has to change. We will not move our school system forward without engaging in serious thought about its problems. BERA's report is an opportunity to do that.

Flu Vaccines

The NEU welcomes the news that there will be a mass vaccination programme against the flu including of children.

EPI on Teacher CPD

EPI report: high quality CPD for teachers is both needed and cost-effective.

NFER on Pupil Covid-Related Anxiety

National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) report on an increase in pupils with mental health issues.

International Aid Vote

Shockingly cynical move has ridden roughshod over the Government's manifesto commitment and left the UK’s international credibility in tatters.

2021 school attendance figures

The number of pupils absent for COVID-19 related reasons is now the highest at any point in the pandemic.

Hamilton Commission on Representing Black People in UK Motorsport

The NEU is committed to working with The Hamilton Commission to support and empower young Black people through education, and to widen opportunities.

Labour Call for Free School Meals Support in Summer

The Government does not appear to be learning from its u-turns on free school meals and is ignoring the strong public support for meals in the holidays for these children.

Qualifications in 2022

This consultation is unlikely to provide definitive answers ahead of the new term starting in September. At best it will be a partial picture of arrangements. 

Rise in Coronavirus Clusters in Schools

Rising infection rates increase the disruption to education, but DfE still fail to act.

School Funding Consultation

DfE consultation on school funding simply completes the redistribution of school funding from poorer areas to better-off areas.

Removal of school safety measures

NEU writes to Gavin Williamson about removal of safety measures in schools

NEU Cymru notes delay for implementation of new curriculum for secondary schools

Implementation of the new curriculum will not be mandatory for secondary schools in Wales until September 2023

Changes to Covid Measures in Education Settings

We can all hope for the best, but we must now plan for something that is less than the best.

Changes to Covid Restrictions in Schools

This is neglectful and reckless decision-making, when schools and colleges quite obviously need the backing of Government to ensure their workplace remains safe. This is not a Government which oversees, but one which overlooks.

Initial Teacher Training

The NEU urges the Government to halt the ITT market review, take a pause for breath, and then really engage all stakeholders in a discussion about what the issues and solutions in ITT provision are.

NEU Cymru, Unite, and GMB launch mental health and wellbeing survey

NEU Cymru, Unite, and GMB have today launched a mental health and wellbeing survey which is open to anyone who works within the education sector in Wales.

Unions condemn Government treatment of school and college leaders

Three education unions have written to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson expressing our anger and dismay at the way in which the government is treating school and college leaders.

National Audit Office on School Funding

Schools cannot thrive without proper financial support and without a proper assessment of costs. Yet again, the Department for Education have been found out on school funding.

Education Endowment Foundation on Impact of Covid 

These reports show, once again, how much we need a long-term, properly thought-through and resourced plan for education recovery.

Free School Meal provision during summer holidays

Labour Party calls for clarity over free school meal provision during the summer holidays.

Mind report on Young People’s Mental Health

We need a holistic approach to education recovery over the coming year because of the strong relationship between mental health and learning. 

Attendance Data

The continued sharp rise in Covid-related pupil absences risks leaving plans for the end of the school year in tatters.

Self-Isolation and Schools

The DfE "possible arrangements for testing in September" scarcely qualify as a plan at all.

Behaviour Management in Schools

The consultation on behaviour management in schools should focus on wellbeing not phones.

Thank A Teacher Day

While there have been many unsung heroes during this pandemic, Thank A Teacher Day gives us all an opportunity to recognise the work that has gone on in schools and colleges up and down the country.

School Absence Rates

The new attendance figures are very worrying. In secondary schools the rate of absence for Covid-related reasons has tripled in just one week, while in primary schools the rate has doubled in a week.

NEU Cymru congratulates students getting their grades

Welsh Government needs to put a Plan B in place and make funds available now, so education settings can start planning for next year.

NEU Cymru welcomes Estyn inspection plans for autumn term

The pandemic has meant that schools have not been focusing on moving towards to the new Curriculum 2022.

Education Committee Report on White Working-Class Pupils

It is important to understand that social class is the biggest determinant of educational success or failure. Too many children and young people are disengaged from the curriculum.

School Census Data shows increase in Free School Meal provision

Government must act urgently to implement the recommendations of the National Food Strategy. No child should come to school too hungry to learn. 

School Workforce Data

The school workforce data must be seen in the context of the severe recruitment and retention problems that have developed over the past decade.

Phonic checks back in Autumn

Education Secretary confirms phonic checks to resume in Autumn term

NFER on Apprenticeships

The NEU supports proposals to help young people access apprenticeship programmes but this report lays bare the disproportionate impact those reforms are having on younger apprentices.

Early Years Alliance on Underfunding of Sector

It is shameful that the Government continues to let down the Early Years sector. The Government’s current policies and lack of action are clearly a threat to the sector and the life chances of the children they educate.

NEU Cymru disappointed with IWPRB pay award for teachers

We are disappointed to read that Jeremy Miles is minded to accept the recommendation of a pay award for teachers across the board of only 1.75% with effect from 1 September 2021.

UK aid to Global Partnership for Education

UK announces £430m aid to Global Partnership for Education

Ofsted Review of Sexual Abuse in Schools and Colleges

Sexual harassment is still trivialised and normalised throughout society, and we urgently need to boost the focus around both preventing and responding to the sexual harassment.

Reintroduce face coverings

Government must ​reintroduce face coverings to minimise Covid disruption in schools, say education unions

School Attendance Figures: week before half-term

In order to keep face-to-face learning on a sustainable footing, Government must take the rising secondary school case numbers seriously.

Resignation of Sir Kevan Collins

Sir Kevan Collins, Education Recovery Commissioner Resignation.

Government’s education recovery plan

The Government’s plans for education recovery for the nation’s pupils are inadequate and incomplete.

Labour’s Children’s Recovery Plan

Labour is right to recognise that children need to recover through play and through greatly improved mental-health support.

Fairness on grading

As workload rockets for grading season, 10,000 educators write to Gavin Williamson demanding he provides compensation

Over half a million children reliant on free school meals

Labour Party figures show over half a million children have become reliant on free school meals during the pandemic.

Latest school attendance data from Government

We call on the Government to release school attendance figures for the local authorities to be released before the middle of June.

EPI on Teacher Pay and Retention

The EPI report rightly highlights the severe teacher recruitment and retention problems, and the significant gaps between teacher pay and the pay of other graduate professions.

Sutton Trust on Early Years

The report confirms what early years educators have repeatedly told Government: recovery from the pandemic must be concerned with building back the social element in children's lives.

IFS on Covid-related spending

This report from the IFS exposes another example of the gap between Government rhetoric about investing in education recovery and the reality.

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

Today is an important day which draws attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBT+ people around the world and here at home.

EPI on Education Recovery

The EPI report highlights the scale of the disruption caused by the pandemic and the necessary funding needed to repair the damage.

Queen’s Speech

The Government must invest properly in education rather than attempt to cover up a general lack of new money.

Masks in Schools

The Government have ignored SAGE’s advice to keep face masks in the classroom.

Trial use of LFTs as an alternative to isolation

NEU meets with scientists running the trial on the use of lateral flow test (LFTs) as an alternative to isolation.

Masks still needed to Keep Millions Safe

Scientists: More than 153,000 children and school staff with Long COVID means masks still needed to keep millions safe.

Sutton Trust on Pupil Premium Funding

School budgets have been hit hard by coronavirus and the inadequate reimbursement from Government. Gavin Williamson must come clean as to how much schools have lost as a result of his moving the goalpost.

Speech by Gavin Williamson to the Confederation of School Trusts

The fragmented academy system has serious structural problems and contradictions which are entirely the fault of this Government. What we need is greater coherence and investment in the democratic structures and support that bind schools to one another and to their communities.

EPI on Teacher Training and Development

The NEU agrees that a boost to the amount of high quality CPD teachers receive would be extremely welcome by the profession and a good step in improving retention.

NEU endorses the Stephen Hawking Foundation "Are Vaccines Safe?"

The National Education Union and Runnymede Trust have endorsed classroom resources produced by the Stephen Hawking Foundation to tackle vaccine hesitancy and encourage critical thinking.

New curriculum and assessment legislation reform

NEU Cymru calls on the next Welsh Government to fully fund the new Curriculum and ALN reform.

Cuts to International Aid

The Government's plans for slashing overseas aid are indefensible. A direct line can and will be drawn between these cuts and irreversible damage to children's fundamental right to education, safety, and dignity.

EPI preliminary findings

We agree with the report’s conclusions that overcoming the pandemic is possible and that it should serve as a catalyst for sustained improvements in education.

Post-16 Sector

If the Government is to achieve its agenda of levelling up and the promise of better jobs, it must restore funding and pay in the sector.

Union Recognition and Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS)

The Teachers’ Pension Scheme is a fundamental part of a teacher’s remuneration.

SEND Funding and Mental Health

Government must properly fund all schools and conduct an urgent review of high-needs funding.

Funding for Nursery Schools

The NEU is determined that the early years sector will not be the poor relation of the education system.

Venezuela

The sweeping sanctions and economic blockade imposed on Venezuela are blunt instruments that have led to ordinary people suffering inhumanely.

PSHE, RSE and LGBT+ Inclusive Education

We can't work towards equality in society or tackle discrimination in workplaces unless we talk positively about LGBT+ people across the curriculum.

Marcus Rashford MBE receives 2021 Fred and Anne Jarvis Award

This year’s Fred & Anne Jarvis Award has been given to Marcus Rashford MBE for his work in fighting food poverty.

Defend the Right to Protest - Oppose the New Police Bill

We believe that this Bill attempts to solve a problem that does not exist, diverting the police into partisan ‘culture wars’, and restricting an inherent aspect of a free society – the right to protest.

Workload

Analysis after analysis and survey upon survey continue to demonstrate that teacher workload remains unsustainable and is the main driver for leaving the profession.

Supply Staff

The Covid crisis has demonstrated even more reasons to change the way that we organise the provision of supply staff in schools.

Pride in Our Union

We've got to assert that homophobic and transphobic discrimination doesn't go unnoticed or unchallenged.

Harassment, Abuse and Violence Against Women

Sexism has real negative consequences for girls and for female staff, who disproportionately experience sexual violence and harassment. If we want different outcomes for girls, we need to start doing things differently.

Anti-racism charter

It is urgent that all Black students can access a positive, engaging and representative curriculum.

Combat Climate Breakdown in School and Beyond

The Government should recognise the power of education in the fight against climate change and ensure that the school curriculum addresses the climate emergency, the effects of climate change and what we can do to mitigate it.

Rising child poverty

The last ten years has seen a dramatic rise in child poverty across the UK – and without drastic, immediate action from Government the numbers will increase.

Abolish Ofsted and League Tables

Ofsted is not an agent of change. It is a blunt instrument – a wholly negative presence in schools, never offering constructive advice.

Stop Toxic Testing

Today, the Union has set out the measures government should take to learn from the failures of the past and to open up our narrow, test-driven and restrictive education system so that it benefits all learners, from the early years to adulthood.

GCSE and A-Levels

The pandemic has exposed the flaws that exist when awarding GCSE and A-Level grades even in a normal year.

Maternity discrimination

Sexism and sexist biases including pregnancy and maternity discrimination mean that women in the education sector are losing out in status and pay.

A Diverse and Inclusive Curriculum

In place of micro-management, teachers need space to make a curriculum that is broad and balanced, offering opportunities for creativity, exploration and for meaningful, collaborative learning.

Pay Freeze

The Government's ideologically-driven pay freeze is both unjustified and unfair.

Covid-19 and Workload

The problem of high workload predates the pandemic and will, unfortunately, survive it.

The State of Education: Young People’s Mental Health

In advance of the National Education Union’s annual conference, held online this week, more than 10,000 teachers, leaders and support staff from across the UK and in all school and college settings have made clear their views on the State of Education and the conditions under which they work.

Protecting Black Lives in Education

Throughout 2020 and 2021, racism and the value of Black lives has been the subject of persistent and painful news stories, and the Covid pandemic has laid bare the extent of racial inequalities in all areas of social policy.

Addressing the Crisis of Disability Equality in Our Schools

There remains a job of work to do within the education sector about making sure employers make reasonable adjustments to retain and value their staff who are disabled.

The State of Education: Poverty, the Pandemic and Recovery

Survey of members on how best to steer a course for education out of Covid.

Face Coverings in Class

The NEU welcomes the fact that the Government has accepted the scientific consensus that the wearing of face coverings by staff and students in classrooms forms a key part of a comprehensive strategy of measures to suppress transmission of Covid-19 in schools and colleges.

Baseline Assessment

“This year of all years is a terrible time to introduce a statutory requirement to introduce a baseline test which is designed not to give information to either teachers or parents.

Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities

Many schools themselves are already showing the lead on this and decolonising their curriculum, but today’s report misses the point that schools are doing this in the absence of support and despite the Government. 

Summer Schools

There is welcome clarity in today’s advice that schools can adopt the plans which best suit their situation.

JCQ Guidance on GCSEs and A-Levels

School leaders and teachers now need assurances from the Secretary of State that no new requirements will be made of them.

NEU Cymru members say more funding for education

99% of NEU Cymru members say more funding for education would help young people learn

Teacher labour market

The NFER is right to note that any improvement in teacher supply due to the pandemic will be short-lived.

NEU Cymru welcomes report on "Fair Deal for supply teachers"

During the pandemic, our supply members have been extremely disappointed by the behaviour of some of the supply agencies, who have refused to Furlough supply staff.

EPI report on SEND postcode lottery

It is an impact of the systemic cuts to SEND funding that local authorities in the most disadvantaged areas are found in the report to have been forced to ration support for the children with greatest need.

NAO on Public Service Pensions

The NEU broadly welcomes the NAO report on public service pensions, which largely endorses the NEU’s arguments down the years.

UCL on School Accountability and Stress

The UCL analysis also highlights cases of schools where stress caused by accountability is higher than in others.

NAO report on the DfE and support for children’s education during Covid

It is understandable that the Government would not have an off-the-shelf plan for schools having to operate under an extended lockdown, as was the case from March 2020, but it continued to dither and delay over many months.

Police gross mishandling of vigil for Sarah Everard

Covid-19 safeguards are necessary but vigil policing was inappropriately handled and disturbing.

Labour's analysis of class sizes

The Labour Party is right to highlight this important issue. The proportion of pupils in outsized secondary classes is at its highest point in the last 40 years with 1 million children being taught in classes of more than 30. 

Bright Future Taskforce

Labour launches Bright Future Taskforce

School and college wider re-opening Monday 8th March

We all hope that this is the last lockdown. But the Government has not done enough to ensure this properly.

Budget 2021

The Government has said schools are a “national priority”, yet this Budget has provided schools with no new resources to manage coronavirus.

Local Councillors sign letter to PM to extend Free School Meals

Ahead of the Chancellor's Budget statement this week, over 750 local councillors have signed a letter to the Prime Minister calling for more support so that no child is left behind.

Awarding Grades for 2021

Government acted too late. Had there been steps taken at the start of the academic year to prepare for the eventuality that exams may not be able to happen, this could have been more easily resolved.

Government’s education recovery package

The NEU and the Sutton Trust have recommended to Government that £750 million is needed as the first immediate boost to Pupil Premium. Instead, £302 million has been announced.

The Government are still not following the science

Boris Johnson has pressed ahead with this gamble on the wider opening of schools and colleges in one swoop and ignored the advice for a phased return.

Schools Wider Opening from 8 March

Today’s announcement that all pupils will return to English schools and colleges on 8 March demonstrates, again, that Boris Johnson has, despite all his words of caution, failed to learn the lessons of his previous mistakes

Joint statement on wider opening of schools in England

Nine education organisations have joined together to issue a statement on the wider opening of schools and colleges in England.

Joint education statement on vaccines

Early years, schools and college staff must be prioritised for Phase 2 vaccinations, union and education leaders warn following reports of government row-back

EPI on education recovery

No educational programme will be successful unless it is linked to measures on a massive scale to deal with poverty.

Education unions unite to reject Government pay freeze

Organisations representing the overwhelming majority of teachers and school leaders in England have united in opposing the Government’s pay freeze.

Joint statement: fair summer assessment

Education organisations set out principles for fair assessment this summer

EdenRed FSM vouchers report

PAC report into EdenRed delivery of Free School Meal vouchers

Consultation on public sector pensions

The NEU deplores the Government’s decision to pass the cost of fixing its own unlawful age discrimination on to public sector workers.

Ofsted Inspections

NEU is pleased that Ofsted has shown sense and further delayed its on-site inspections.

NEU Cymru notes plans to open schools for early years

We must be mindful that everyone will be apprehensive about a potential rise in the virus levels if we open up too quickly, so a phased approach is welcome, as a safe return is essential.

NEU launches plan for education return and recovery

Today the NEU launches a new Education Recovery Plan

Prime Minister’s Roadmap for Schools

We all want schools to open, but like the Prime Minister we want them to open when it is safe to do so. This has to be done sustainably and safely. 

NEU and Daily Mirror launch Help a Child to Learn appeal

The National Education Union and the Daily Mirror launch Help a Child to Learn appeal with £1m for schools.

NEU survey shows need to support students during lockdown

In a survey of more than 2,500 National Education Union members, we asked staff working in schools in England and Wales to detail the impact of the pandemic on their disadvantaged students.

Early Years Census 2021 Return

The clarification to the census guidance is a limited and confusing response to a worsening crisis. Its offer of top-up funding does not guarantee the necessary level of financial support.

Coronavirus Infection Survey

This survey is of great concern. It confirms the worries of the NEU and many others that this lockdown has not been strict enough. 

Gavin Williamson on wider reopening of schools and colleges

It is good that we now have an assurance from Gavin Williamson that school staff will be given two weeks' notice before reopening.

NEU Cymru welcomes changes to awarding grades

We are always concerned that exams do not fully reflect the potential of young people in the system, and are especially pleased that there are no plans to use an unfair algorithm this year.

Sutton Trust on Learning in Lockdown

We agree with the Sutton Trust that disadvantaged pupils are going to require significant extra investment because of deepening levels of deprivation.

Remote Education Hub

NEU Launch Remote Education Hub

Pause on Lateral Flow Testing

We are relieved that the Government now accepts that it was wrong to introduce testing in this way

Impact of COVID on school workforce

Department for Education releases data on the impact of coronavirus on the school workforce.

Latest statistics on school attendance

The number of pupils eligible to go to school and colleges is higher than in the previous lockdown but even given the increase in student numbers staff attendance rates could be much lower.

Universal Credit and Free School Meals

More than 1 in 4 children across the UK are growing up trapped in poverty, but we are still having the same conversations about whether MPs will do the right thing to tackle the scourge of child poverty in 2021.

DfE Consultation on Awarding Grades

Consultation is always welcome but this is too late in the day.

MHRA on Testing in Schools

We have always supported the idea of mass testing in schools as a means to facilitate safe on-site learning, but this has to be consistent with scientific understanding.

Free School Meals in Half Term

Government won't fund FSM over February half term.

Teachers top priority in next vaccine phase

Gavin Williamson on school staff being a “top priority” in next phase of vaccine rollout

Government and Laptops

The Government can't claim to protect disadvantaged students while they routinely let them down

Keep early years safe and funded

The National Education Union and UNISON have highlighted a series of funding and safety issues ministers must address to ensure community safety around the care and education of young children. 

Keir Starmer's 'securing the economy' speech

Keir Starmer is right to call out the Government on key worker pay.  A pay freeze is no way to reward education staff for the immense contribution they have made to the country's response to the pandemic. 

Education unions need answers from education secretary

The NEU and UNISON have written to Gavin Williamson about the effect a significant extension to the number of pupils allowed back into school will have on Coronavirus transmission rates.

January 2021 infections survey

The Government can't seem to decide whether schools are safe or unsafe. Let this data end their confusion.

Wales school closure

NEU Cymru welcomes proposed closure of schools and colleges until February

Wales money for disadvantaged learners

NEU Cymru welcomes extra money for disadvantaged learners

Wales families on UC

Organisations join forces to call for more support for families on universal credit

SATs Cancelled

Teachers and parents will be relieved that Gavin Williamson has faced up to reality and cancelled this year's SATs tests.

Gavin Williamson’s Plan for Schools and Colleges

Education staff will need further information soon about the training proposed by Gavin Williamson to assist with ensuring consistency and fairness of grades nationally.

National Lockdown: Schools and colleges to close

No one wanted schools and colleges to be shut again but the evidence clearly pointed to the necessity for this to happen weeks ago.

Wales move to on-line learning

NEU Cymru welcomes move to on-line learning

Northern Ireland primary and post-primary schools to extend remote learning

Full National Education Union Statement, 3rd January 2020

Wales return to education

NEU Cymru comments on the return to education

Call for all primary schools in England to move learning online

We are informing our members of their legal right to protection to be guided by the science. In order for viral levels in children and in the community to decrease to below R1 primary schools should not open in the first weeks of January.

NEU advises primary members it is unsafe to return to work

Today, the National Education Union has taken the difficult decision to advise its members in primary and special needs schools, and early years settings, that it is unsafe to return to work on Monday.

London primary schools to close

Another last minute U-turn as Government announces all London primaries are to stay closed until 18 January at least.

On December 22 SAGE told Government to close schools

SAGE told ministers that they needed to close schools to contain coronavirus, before Christmas.

January return to school

NEU responds to the Government’s announcement on the return to school in January

Schools and colleges should delay January opening

NEU presses Government to release advice from Chief Medical Officer and reiterates position that schools and colleges should start the New Year with a period of online learning

EPI report into school funding during COVID

The Government claims to want to build back better but that will not be possible if schools are bankrupted by coronavirus.

New measures for return of schools and colleges in January

NEU calls for new measures to ensure safe return of schools and colleges in January

ONS: huge surge in school infection

Latest COVID infection survey shows huge surge amongst school and college students

NEU writes to Gavin Williamson about mass testing plan

NEU has today written to Gavin Williamson about his “inoperable” mass testing plan for secondary schools and colleges beginning in January.

ONS School Infection Survey

NEU call that education staff should be vaccinated

Plans for Schools in January

Today’s announcement by Government, made on the last day of term, demonstrates ministerial panic rather than rational and responsible action.

Education unions condemn STRB restriction

Three education unions condemn Gavin Williamson for restricting the STRB

School attendance data 2020

These attendance figures that have been hidden from the public for so long show just what a profound impact coronavirus has had on schooling in many areas. 

Mass Testing for Schools

This announcement gives almost zero notice for unions to assess the plans, or for schools to implement them. The Government’s suggestion that the preparation for the roll-out of testing should happen this week is ridiculous.

Greenwich Council

This Government really has taken a step too far. They should hang their heads in shame. Parents, students and school staff will not forgive this wilful neglect of their safety.

NEU Cymru welcomes ‘distance learning’ week in secondary schools and colleges

NEU Cymru secondary members will be heartened to hear secondary schools are moving to a distance learning model in the last week of term. Our members in primary schools will still be concerned.

School closures 

NEU comment on call by Sadiq Khan to close schools this week and move to online learning.

ONS Figures

The latest ONS Coronavirus survey figures should be very worrying to the Government - especially in the run up to Christmas. They show that cases are again rising in secondary and primary schools. 

Testing in Schools

Rolling out testing in these two areas is a start, but the Prime Minister needs to urgently address those other parts of the country where infection rates remain high.  

NEU Cymru comment on Estyn Annual Report

NEU Cymru welcome that Estyn’s Annual Report provides acknowledgement of what a challenging year this has been for everyone in education in Wales.

Attendance Figures

The latest figures from the last week of national lockdown are deeply depressing. One in five secondary pupils and one in ten primary pupils were absent last week

COVID Map - Welsh Schools Update

NEU Cymru are today are launching an interactive Covid Map for schools in Wales.

NFER on School Funding and Covid-19

The NFER report has confirmed what the education world already knew. Schools are struggling to cope with the extra costs of Covid-19.

Joint unions express outrage at pay offer

Trade unions representing staff in English further education colleges have today (Thursday) slammed the decision by the Association of Colleges (AoC) to offer a 1% pay increase and demanded to know what additional Government funding had been spent on.

Latest DfE figures for trainee teachers

General increase is welcome but subject shortages and retention are a challenge.

DfE on Primary Assessment

Teachers require an assurance that the results of key stage 2 tests in 2021, which cannot possibly be a measure of the quality of a school, will not be used as a measure of accountability.

Imperial College REACT-1 Survey

We are deeply concerned by the results of the REACT-1 coronavirus survey which show that over the lockdown coronavirus has continued to increase amongst school age children

Attendance figures December 2020

The only way to improve school attendance is for the Government to act to bring down coronavirus infection rates in schools. 

Clinically extremely vulnerable staff

NEU demand that clinically extremely vulnerable staff should work from home after lockdown.

Independent SAGE

This is a welcome intervention by Independent SAGE, which once again exposes the enormous blind-spot that Government has towards schools.

Aid Budget

258 million children were out of school before the Covid pandemic and millions more now stand to never return.

Spending Review 2020

Pay freeze is a body blow to education workers

UCL research on Teacher Workload

Evidence from report shows teachers are still working amongst the longest hours in Europe.

Attendance figures update

School attendance continues to fall in the face of the pandemic.

Phonics research

More Than a Score research on Phonics

NEU Cymru welcomes face coverings ‘should’ be worn in school communal areas

We can see now that the virus is spreading in schools. We have more and more information all the time, and our priority must be keeping both learners and staff as safe as possible.

Independent School conference survey

NEU survey of independent school staff finds support for measures to minimise Covid risk but more needs to be done.

Latest ONS school infection rate figures

As rates rise lockdown seems to have done nothing to slow the increase in infection amongst school age pupils

Public Sector Pay 2020

The Government will argue this is about holding down public sector pay because private sector pay has gone down, but it makes no sense economically.

Belonging, behaviour, and learning outcomes

NEU launches research on 'a sense of belonging' and its role in positive learning and behaviour

Post-Qualification University Admissions

Government proposal to use real rather than predicted A level grades for higher education places.

ONS data finds infection rates highest amongst secondary aged pupils

The Office for National Statistics' latest infection survey shows that secondary-age pupils now have the highest rate of infection of any age group and, whilst it has fallen a little as a result of the half-term holiday, it is likely to carry on increasing. 

Latest school attendance figures - November

Attendance data from England and Wales confirm the significant role that schools play in virus transmission

NEU urge education minister to let go of GCSEs

The National Education Union has urged the Minister of Education to “let go” of GCSEs as a means of coping with the pandemic and as a way of de-stressing schools from relentless and obsessive testing, tracking, monitoring and assessment.

Ofsted Report: November

Chief Inspector recognises the work of school leaders in the face of the pandemic but needs to go further to best stand up for schools.

Infection Rates in Schools and Colleges

Drop in rate over half term shows role of schools in transmission.

Petitions Committee: Black history

NEU to speak at Petitions Committee hearing on Black history and the curriculum

New national restrictions for schools

Much of this Government guidance is welcome but more needs to be done to make schools and colleges safe.

National Tutoring Programme

DfE has opted for a cut price tuition scheme on the cheap.

NEU Cymru comments on the end of the half-term break

As schools and colleges reopen after half term, health and safety remains the top priority.

Fair Grade 2021 petition hand-in

NEU hands in petition calling for Government action to ensure fairness in 2021 exams

150,000+ support our campaign to close schools and colleges

150,000+ teachers and support staff back the NEU, as we call for Parliament lockdown bill to include schools and colleges

Close schools in national lockdown

NEU calls for schools and colleges to be closed during 4 week national lockdown

GCSEs and A-Levels: October

The Government's current approach to exams in England is increasingly untenable.

EPI on School attendance rates

With high numbers of pupils and staff having to isolate as a result of Covid cases in their school, Govt decisions are doubling the difficulties faced by disadvantaged children and young people.

NEU calls for an end to holiday hunger

The National Education Union is asking people to support and sign an open letter to the Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, calling upon him to eradicate holiday hunger by providing Free School Meals (FSM) to all children who need them over the school holidays.

Attendance figures October 2020

The latest figures on school absence add to an ever-more compelling argument that Government needs to be vastly more assertive in its efforts to futureproof schools against the effects of Covid outbreaks.

Refusal to Commit to Free School Meals over Holidays

Boris Johnson continues to refuse to commit to Free School Meals in school holidays.

Secondary Schools Moving to a Rota System

NEU asks Gavin Williamson to explore potential of secondary schools moving to a rota system

Free School Meal provision over holidays

Opposition Motion on Free School Meal provision over school holidays

2020 school attendance figures

Latest attendance figures show that the Government urgently needs to look at ways of reducing transmission in schools.

Circuit Breaker for Secondary Schools and Post-16

National Education Union is calling for an urgent circuit breaker to suppress Covid cases

Labour’s call on Free School Meals

NEU supports Labour ultimatum to Government on free school meals

Proposals to tackle child poverty

NEU writes to Prime Minister and Chancellor with proposals to tackle child poverty.

NAHT: Cancellation of SATs 2021

We welcome the NAHT stand. Teachers and headteachers are now united in their call for cancellation: the Government should listen. Statutory assessment in 2020/1 serves no useful purpose.

IPPR report on the future of education

The NEU supports the call that all children should have access to on-site mental health support, including on-site counsellors and interventions to support parental support programmes.

Covid-19 impact on primary schools

UCL research into impact of COVID-19 on primary schools

Education policy responses to pandemic

EPI report shows disadvantaged children hardest hit by UKs education response to COVID-19

Boris Johnson's speech

Schools should instead receive tuition money direct and target extra support as they see fit.

October School Attendance

Government action needed to reduce infection rates and provide quick testing for pupils and teachers.

Building a Fair Education System After Covid-19

Covid has exposed the fault lines in our current system of assessment and accountability.

Winning in the Workplace after Covid-19

The legacy of the Covid-19 crisis must be that conditions in schools and colleges become better not worse for all of our colleagues.

Covid-19 and Safe Return

Everything that can be done must be done to ensure that schools and colleges remain open wherever possible.

Member survey shows lack of trust in Government

NEU survey shows a complete lack of trust in Government to keep schools open and safe through Covid

Government’s announcement on remote learning

Government support for distance learning for children self-isolating is necessary but not sufficient.

Relationships, Sex and Health Education guidance

NEU Statement on certain clauses in the new Relationships, Sex and Health Education guidance (1st October)

NEU launches interactive School Covid Map website

Today, as part of the next stage of the National Education Union’s campaign to keep our schools and communities safe, we are launching a new website.

Coronavirus: School Closure Data

The Government’s inability to provide what schools need to ensure they remain open for as long as possible is unacceptable and will affect not only children's education, but the wellbeing of staff and students.

Skills and lifelong learning

Major reinvestment is needed to reverse the 50% cuts to adult learning and cuts to college funding, pay and learner entitlements.

Pisa

This report makes for interesting reading. With almost one million children in classes of 31+ even before Covid struck, we know that we need smaller classes and more teachers if we are to avoid huge disruption to pupils' learning because of isolation.

Children’s Commissioner’s Covid Report

The Children’s Commissioner’s report highlights the multiple ways the pandemic has impacted on young people’s lives. Government plans for education must include ensuring that no child is left behind because of poverty.

EPI report on Early Years and Covid

This report by the EPI is further evidence of the deep financial and structural impact the Coronavirus continues to have on the Early Years sector as a whole.

School Attendance Figures

Government must do better on testing and convince parents that schools are Covid-secure to improve attendance.

Keir Starmer's 2020 Labour conference speech

NEU welcomes Keir Starmer's call for urgent efforts to close the education gap. To do this we need to end the debilitating poverty that so many families endure.

NEU demands urgent action on testing

NEU tells Government that support for wider opening of schools should not be taken for granted, and demands urgent action on testing

NFER on Initial Teacher Training

The impact of Covid-19 on initial teacher training

IFS Annual Report on school funding

IFS reports largest cuts to England's schools funding in 40 years

Education Support Covid survey

Education Support survey on Covid pressures on schools

Government pay proposals divisive

Government pay proposals for teachers and school leaders in England are “divisive and inadequate”, says joint union statement

PM failure to address school safety

NEU JGSs write to Government to underline urgent safety measures that must be in place to ensure education continues for all pupils.

'Education at a Glance' Report 2020

OECD’s annual Education-at-a-Glance report highlights the strain on resources in our schools and colleges.

Welsh Government face coverings announcement

NEU Cymru notes face coverings announcement in schools and colleges.

Joint unions call for grading inquiry

Education unions make joint call for inquiry into grading fiasco

Boris Johnson and the ‘mutant algorithm’

It is brazen of the Prime Minister to idly shrug away a disaster that his own Government created.

Face Masks in Schools 

Government revises its guidance on the wearing of face coverings in schools.

Ofqual Resignation 

Resignation of Sally Collier, Chief Regulator of Ofqual

EPI Annual Report

If the Government is serious about ensuring all pupils receive access to a good quality, equitable education they must put their money where their mouth is and put measures in place to lift pupils out of the grip of poverty and disadvantage. 

Maintained Nursery Schools

Extension of supplementary funding for Maintained Nursery Schools (MNS) through to summer 2021

Return to school: PHE England report

Report by PHE England and the Chief Medical Officer's comments on the full return of schools and colleges in September

#FairGrade2021 Petition Update

NEU petition calling for action on fixing exams system reaches 25,000 signatures in its first 24 hours.

NEU Cymru comments on GCSE Results

Schools and colleges stepped up in challenging circumstances when exams were cancelled. They have worked tirelessly and professionally to submit grades for their students, based on all the evidence available to them.

GCSE Results 2020

We commend the students and staff who have supported them this year. They have shown great patience throughout the challenges of lockdown and last week's shambolic uncertainty. 

Bigger changes needed for 2021

The Joint General Secretaries of the National Education Union have written to Gavin Williamson the Education Secretary, setting out why the disastrous handling of this year’s exam results must never happen again.

NEU Cymru welcomes use of assessed grades in Wales

NEU Cymru hugely welcomes this decision from the Education Minister.

A level grades in Wales

NEU Cymru wishes many congratulations to those who have secured expected grades and we trust that the adjustment and appeals processes will be robust enough to deal with all anomalies that may have arisen.

A-level results 2020

The politics of results season 2020 has drowned out the most important point - that students must be congratulated for their hard work and patience through a difficult time for the whole nation.

Announcement on last minute changes to A level grades

NEU Cymru comment on Education Minister's announcement on last minute changes to A level grades

Coronavirus: extra £10 million for local transport

NEU Cymru are extremely pleased to see that Welsh Government will be using extra money to support local authorities and local bus operators, including extra money for school and college transport.

EPI school funding analysis

This EPI report hows that the Government is increasing that gap, not closing it, through the way it is distributing its 2020 funding increase, with bigger increases going to those schools with fewer disadvantaged students.

Coronavirus: Ofqual arrangements for GCSEs, AS and A-Levels in 2021

Today's confirmation of business as normal for the content of most subjects next year makes insufficient allowance for the disruption this year and allows no contingency for any further disruption as a result of local or regional lockdowns.

Coronavirus: NEU's position on face masks

The NEU has raised concerns with Government in relation to the wearing of face coverings in schools, and its lack of consistency with guidance on other public places.

Teacher Training

NEU is calling on Government to follow the example of Scotland by centrally employing newly qualified teachers from this September, so that the needs of schools are met and talent is not wasted.

Proposed teachers' pay award

NEU Cymru's evidence to the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body (IWPRB) asked for a 7% pay award for all teachers, and sadly this does not fully do that. We will continue to argue for this.

Coronavirus: Extra £50 million for universities, colleges, and students

NEU Cymru welcomes the Education Minister’s commitment in providing much needed additional funding for universities, colleges and students in response to the economic impact of the coronavirus.

Ofqual Summer Symposium

Results from this year's extraordinary exams process are broadly comparable to previous years’ results, and the majority of students will not be disadvantaged by this year's process.

Public Sector Pay

The NEU asked for a 7% pay rise for all teachers. This increase does not achieve this entirely reasonable ambition.

School Funding 2021

School funding announced for 2021 doesn't even reach 2010 levels.

School funding 2020

NEU welcomes Government announcement of additional school funding. But it is important to be clear that this funding does not even replace the budget cuts made since this Government.

Opportunity areas funding

This funding is crucial to help reverse the impact of the coronavirus on education in those areas.

Coronavirus: Committee report on merger of DfID and FCO

The NEU agrees with the Committee that this rushed decision to merger, taken under cover of the Covid-19 pandemic, is likely to have dire consequences.

Parentkind survey

Survey shows parents are placing far greater trust in school leaders than Government.

NFER report on learning during Covid-19

National Foundation for Educational Research analysis looks at the differences in the cost of learning during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Calculated grades

Education Committee report on calculated grades

Survivors’ TPS victory

Victory on survivors’ pensions rights in Teachers' Pension Scheme

Coronavirus: Full opening of schools in September

NEU Cymru have commented on Education Minister’s statement regarding full opening of schools in September.

Srebrenica Genocide

This week marks the 25th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide in which over 8,000 Muslim men and boys were murdered.

Coronavirus: Gavin Williamson's speech on FE

Ambitious proposals to regenerate the further education sector are welcome. The devil of course will be in the detail and we will need to see what is in the White Paper in September.

Coronavirus: Investment in education

NEU Cymru welcomes an increase to the workforce. We believe that supply staff and those new to the profession will welcome the opportunity to provide extra support for those pupils who need it at this challenging time.

Legislation to support the new Curriculum in Wales

Our members have always welcomed the principles behind the new Curriculum. It is an opportunity for Wales to ensure that children have an opportunity to learn a curriculum with wellbeing at its heart.

Coronavirus: National School’s categorisation system

NEU Cymru welcomes suspension of the categorisation system. It is important that safety is a focus ahead of September.

Food Insecurity

Lords' report on food poverty and insecurity.

Coronavirus: Guidance for Schools in September

School leaders need clear guidance based on scientific evidence, but instead they are confronted by a Government which is rushing through ideas that seem more based on hope than on science.

Coronavirus: Sutton Trust on Nurseries

The Sutton Trust briefing on Early Years is further confirmation of what the NEU has been warning for quite some time – maintained nursery schools (MNS) and the Early Years sector are in financial crisis.

Coronavirus: FAQs on NEU NI school restart programme

Advice from the Department of Education, Northern Ireland guidance on School Restart Programme, including responses to the questions asked by NEU members at the recent Zoom meeting.

Coronavirus: Maintained Nursery School Funding

Education experts call for Downing Street to prioritise Maintained Nursery School funding.

Coronavirus: Summer holidays letter

NEU Cymru have written to the Minister for Education, Welsh Government calling for local authorities to be funded to make a summer holiday local offer available to children and young people.

School Buildings

NEU's welcomes the Government’s commitment to maintaining school buildings. There are currently 3,731 school buildings in urgent need of immediate repair.

Coronavirus: One million pupils in classes of 31-plus

Today’s data show the proportion of pupils in class sizes of 31+ now stands at 13.4% across primary and secondary. This accounts for almost 1 million children, a shocking figure.

Coronavirus: Baseline assessment delay

The National Education Union welcomes the decision not to implement reception baseline assessment in September.

Coronavirus: Plans to scrap social distancing in schools

Leaks of proposals for school re-opening in September are not helpful. Schools and parents need to see from Government a clearly thought-out plan outlining the scientific reasoning behind a return for all pupils.

Liz Truss and the Gender Recognition Act

The National Education Union is deeply concerned by the recent comments made by the Women and Equalities Minister Liz Truss which have caused unnecessary distress and anxiety for trans and non-binary workers.

Coronavirus: Schools restart in Northern Ireland

A joint letter of agreement has been agreed and issued further to the announcement confirming that as a consequence of the current exceptional circumstances, the start of the academic year 20/21 will be from week commencing 17 August 2020.

Social Distancing Reduced to 1 Metre

The NEU is of course in favour of all children being back in school, but even with a one-metre rule that will need more teachers and more spaces.

Curriculum and anti-racism letter

NEU Cymru have written to the Minister for Education, Welsh Government to express deep concerns about the injustices and racial disparities that have been highlighted by the virus and by the horrific events of brutality against black people in the United States.

Coronavirus: Issues surrounding wider opening of schools

NEU Cymru clarifies issues surrounding wider opening of schools.

Coronavirus: Schools in September

The Prime Minister's hopes are not enough. He needs a plan for more teachers, to ask teachers who have left the profession to return, and he needs to be finding extra spaces in which they can teach smaller groups.

Violation of workers’ rights at seven-year high

Violations of workers’ rights are at a seven-year high, according to the newly released 2020 ITUC Global Rights Index.

Additional funding for schools

£1 billion additional funding for schools: Covid-19

Coronavirus: Funding for 2020 Summer holiday local offer

NEU launches call for funding for Local Government to co-ordinate 2020 Summer holiday offer for children and young people.

Fred Jarvis, CBE dies at the age of 95

Fred Jarvis, CBE - trade unionist and former General Secretary of the NUT dies at the age of 95.

Free school meals for children and young people

Government to provide free school meals for children and young people over the summer holidays.

Coronavirus - NFER on Remote Learning

The NFER report shows that a quarter of pupils have limited access to IT at home. Gavin Williamson confirmed in the Commons last week that only around half of requests for the Government’s free laptop scheme for disadvantaged students have so far been met.

Coronavirus - flexibility for primary schools

Department for Education to encourage head teachers to invite back more primary pupils before summer

Urgent action to tackle racism

NEU has today written to the Prime Minister with 5 recommendations for urgent action to tackle racism.

Free School Meals

The Government is seriously out of touch if it can't see that many families will need support with food.

NEU welcomes Rev. Jesse Jackson to Black Lives Matter solidarity webinar

The National Education is proud to host an exclusive Black Lives Matter solidarity webinar, with guests including the Reverend Jesse Jackson Snr, and Diane Abbott MP, on Monday 15 June at 3pm.

Coronavirus: National Education Recovery Plan

The National Education Union has today written to the Prime Minister outlining its proposals for a National Education Recovery Plan.

Black Lives Matter

Urgent action is needed to address widespread stereotyping, discrimination and the fear and violence caused by racism.

Coronavirus: Welsh Government guidance on schools' wider opening

NEU Cymru welcomes Welsh Government guidance on schools' wider opening.

Public Accounts Committee report on UTCs

This report vindicates the NEU’s longstanding concerns about UTCs. Significant resources have been ploughed into the programme despite serious flaws in the model and its poor record.

Coronavirus: Official Statistics on Wider Opening

The figures released show what a very long way the Government has to go to convince the nation’s parents and teachers that a wider opening of schools is safe.

Coronavirus: Primary Schools

The government’s social distancing rules made it impossible for primary schools to admit all pupils before the summer holidays. Primary schools and secondary schools will not re-open to all pupils until September at the earliest.

IPPR on rise in child poverty

It is deeply alarming that in an already parlous situation, this report forecasts that an enormous number of children will be thrown into poverty by Christmas.

Coronavirus: Too much too soon

The Minister’s statement in which she has opened schools to all year groups with effect from 29 June does not sit well with NEU Cymru. It is too much, too soon.

NEU survey shows realities of wider opening

Respondents to a survey conducted by the National Education Union between 31 May and 1 June, reveals the pragmatism of schools when asked to open more widely under easing of lockdown.

Fenton Review into Covid-19

The NEU calls on the Government and Public Health England to develop urgent advice on the issues of greater health risk identified in the Fenton Review.

NEU statement on the killing of George Floyd

The NEU sends its solidarity to the family and friends mourning George Floyd. We condemn the systemic racism that caused George's death and we support the urgent demands for justice for George Floyd, for his family and his community.

Stop wider 1 June school reopening

NEU calls on Government to step back from the brink and stop wider 1 June school reopening

Special Schools Survey

Serious questions about safety remain unanswered.

Wider Opening of Schools

We are not saying only go back when it is 100% safe. But meet your own tests, produce evidence, and return when the time is right.

Final report of Independent SAGE on Schools

This latest report casts yet more doubt and concern over the Prime Minister’s decision to press ahead with a 1 June wider opening for schools.

Safety guidelines not being met in significant numbers of schools

A snapshot survey of 4,016 members of the National Education Union, reveals continued problems with health and safety even before wider opening.

PM on wider opening of schools

Prime Minister's COVID briefing confirming wider re-opening of schools June 1st

SAGE advice published

Today, two months since lockdown was introduced, the Government has finally granted access to some of the scientific modelling behind its proposal for schools to open more widely from June 1.

Independent SAGE on schools

Independent SAGE set two crucial conditions for the safe wider opening of schools: low levels of Coronavirus in the community, and a robust track and trace system.

Track and Trace

Prime Minister responds to concerns on track and trace operation before the wider opening of schools during PMQs.

Educational gap survey

IFS survey: Educational gaps during lockdown

Wider opening of schools: update

Gavin Williams COVID briefing - re wider opening of schools update

Coronavirus: No date set for opening schools in Wales

NEU Cymru welcomes no date set for opening schools in Wales. Like everyone, we want learners to be back in their classrooms. But not until it is safe to do so.

NEU talks with Government’s scientific advisers

We are pleased that Sir Patrick Vallance, Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government on Covid-19 has told the NEU that information and papers from SAGE would be published and that they will prioritise its release.

The science on schools

It's really important that we are absolutely clear what the level of safety is and if it remains the case that we believe it to be unsafe, we will not back the wider opening of schools.

Over 1000 councillors write to Gavin Williamson

1,173 local authority councillors from across England have signed the NEU Councillors letter to Gavin Williamson.

Councils need the power to close schools

LGA need to give Councils power to close schools and nurseries when clusters of Covid-19 cases emerge.

Education unions’ statement on the safe reopening of schools

Unions with members in the education sector are today (Wednesday) publishing a joint statement on the safe reopening of schools.

Unions set out five tests Government and colleges must meet

Trade unions set out five tests Government and colleges must meet before staff and students can return.

Parents’ views on lockdown and school safety

Poll of over 1,000 parents, commissioned for NEU, shows support for lockdown measures since March.

Government guidance on lockdown

The NEU is advising our school leader members today that we are in no position to start planning for wider opening yet.

Members survey on Prime Minister's roadmap

49k NEU members in one hour respond to survey giving a resounding NO to Prime Ministers roadmap for school reopening.

Phased return of schools

Prime Minister’s announcement on return of schools is nothing short of reckless.

Coronavirus, Pupils and Schools

NEU report: Coronavirus, Pupils and Schools: Unanswered Questions

Coronavirus: Schools will not open more widely in Wales

NEU Cymru welcomes the announcement that schools will NOT open more widely on 1 June.

New research raises concerns about wider reopening of schools

These studies raise real concerns about the impact that a wider re-opening of schools would have on the rate of Covid 19 transmission and its incidence in families.

NEU petition nears 350,000 signatures

On the eve of Sage meeting at which lockdown measures will be reviewed, NEU petition demanding schools re-open only when safe to do so nears 350,000 signatures.

NEU and Parentkind write to Gavin Williamson

NEU and Parentkind sign a joint letter to the Education Secretary to express concerns about the re-opening of schools.

EPI on disadvantaged pupils

As schools re-integrate more students back on site over the next months the focus needs to be on healthy transitions which support engagement with learning and not on catching up to some government-mandated trajectory.

Public accounts committee on support for SEND pupils

As the Public Accounts Committee report makes clear, the Government approach on support has let SEND children down. Covid-19 means we have to put children's learning needs and interests at the heart of the offer in the classroom.

NEU Covid 19 survey

NEU snapshot survey of over 2,000 school staff shows significant concerns about effectiveness of present social-distancing measures in schools.

Coronavirus: Unions warn against premature reopening of schools

The General Secretaries of 10 teacher trade unions across the UK and Ireland have written to the Education Ministers in all 5 jurisdictions urging “significant caution in any consideration of reopening schools.

Sutton Trust on A-Levels

Research by Sutton Trust’s suggests young people believe cancellation of A-Levels will damage their chances in university applications.

5 Tests for Government before schools can re-open

NEU has launched 5 tests for Government before schools can re-open. We believe that these test must be capable of being passed in order to create the necessary confidence amongst parents and staff.

NEU members win case against grade inflation

NEU members win case against accusations of Key Stage 1 and 2 grade inflation by the Diocese of Westminster Academy Trust.

Gavin Williamson and the Education Select Committee

We were relieved to hear confirmation from the Education Secretary that schools and colleges will not be returning during the summer holidays. Lockdown is not a holiday.

Coronavirus: Safety is top priority in opening schools

For our members, parents and learners themselves, staying safe at this difficult time is critical. We look forward to hearing more details from the Welsh Government in the coming weeks.

Coronavirus: Education Minister sets out five key principles for schools’ return