
The management of Long Covid
Joint union protocol on the management of long COVID-19.
Joint union protocol on the management of long COVID-19.
The NEU is committed to helping you ensure safety in the workplace for all staff and students in schools and colleges during this very challenging time.
Guide for branches and districts
Requirements for schools and colleges to establish outbreak management plans and advice on when and how to respond to outbreaks
The Department of Education have published their revised Coronavirus Guidance for Educational Settings.
Management and Teachers’ Sides of the Teachers’ Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee (“TNC”) recognise that responses to the Covid-19 situation have the potential to impact on the conditions of service for teachers and school leaders.
How to support positive learning behaviours
Support for children and young people and the role for schools
A joint letter is going out 4 May 2021 to Gavin Williamson, Education Secretary urging him not to relax the measures around the wearing of face coverings in schools and colleges.
This guidance applies to all awarding organisations offering GCSEs, AS and A-Levels in England.
The latest weekly National Education Union (NEU) report on education Covid-19 data.
NEU Cymru Education Recovery Plan – February 2021
The National Education Union (NEU) education recovery plan sets out how to reopen schools and colleges in a safe and sustainable way.
Department of Education NI introduces scheme to help support substitute teachers during the current six-week period of school closures.
An online platform to support NEU members in delivering and sharing best practice
We need urgent funding for early years and maintained nursery schools now to prevent closures in this vital sector.
NEU along side NI teacher unions (Northern Ireland Teachers’ Council) have written to the First and Deputy First Minister to highlight concerns regarding Special School Provision during the current lockdown.
To support schools, Department of Education, Northern Ireland (DENI) has prepared phase specific information.
Education Minister clarifies position on exams in NI 2021.
Blended learning is an educational method that combines online learning with traditional classroom interactions. It requires the presence of the teacher while allowing students control over place, time and pace of their learning.
Information for NEU members working in primary schools on providing education to students at home, as they would when they are in the classroom.
Information for NEU members working in SEND schools on providing education to students at home, as they would when they are in the classroom.
Information for NEU members working in secondary schools on providing education to students at home, as they would when they are in the classroom.
Learn more about members' experiences and the NEU's advice on remote learning and our innovative platform to support you and your colleagues in delivering effective remote learning.
Updated guidance in light of the current crisis in public. These replace the actions set out in the letter to schools of 31 December 2020.
Seventy-fourth SAGE meeting on COVID-19, 22nd December 2020 Held via Video Teleconference
National Education Union action on unsafe educational settings to apply to Northern Ireland members
Leicester secondary rep Sylvia McNeil describes how she negotiates during a pandemic
Some of the collective wins achieved by Kathryn Peers, workplace rep at Bracken Edge Primary School, Leeds.
Local authorities and multi academy trusts that have agreed with the NEU’s position on CEV workers.
Robert Poole, NEU Secondary rep, Greater Manchester, talks about how he became an NEU Rep, and achieved a successful pay campaign at his workplace.
The school attendance figures for last week show a shocking increase in the disruption coronavirus is causing to our schools.
Wirral primary rep Andy Heywood describes his successful safety campaign.
Telford Special school rep Donna Macdonald describes her successful organising campaign.
Swindon primary rep Fran King describes how acting collectively led to a successful safety campaign.
Oldham rep Noo Khadem describes her successful safety campaign.
The NI Executive has announced that schools and other education settings will have the half-term holiday break extended from 19 to 30 October, reopening on Monday 2 November.
Advice on workload when working in school or at home during the coronavirus crisis
Our demands: the Government must help schools to be as safe as possible
Advice for NEU members in Wales during the coronavirus crisis.
There are huge pressures on families during coronavirus but students have also learned and developed many skills and aptitudes at home.
There are many ways schools and colleges can keep students connected and intentionally promote a sense of belonging
Despite the uncertainty, there are opportunities- and practical reasons- why we need creativity and flexibility in our approach to the curriculum during coronavirus.
Starting from students' experiences, generating a motivation to learn and making learning relevant is really important during Coronavirus.
Prioritising the well-being and welfare of staff and students really matters as we plan and reflect on learning during coronavirus
Take a look at the five Cs which we think can help you to support students throughout the next academic year.
See the stories of NEU members across England, who only want wider school opening when it’s safe
This NEU survey of supply worker members on employment during the COVID-19 crisis opened on 24 April, receiving 1,966 responses. Most responses were received by 28 April, although responses continued to arrive until 14 May.
Questions for reps to ask
Questions for reps to ask
Questions for reps to ask
Questions for reps to ask
Questions for reps to ask
Questions for reps to ask
Questions for reps to ask
Questions for reps to ask
Questions for reps to ask
Questions for reps to ask
Questions for reps to ask
NEU/GMB/Unison/Unite have produced a commentary and checklist guide for special schools.
We all want schools to open – as soon as it is safe to do so. The NEU’s five tests do not require a vaccine, which will be many months away.
NEU advice to members on safety and other matters – now including advice on supporting members with long Covid
The NEU Hardship Fund was established to provide financial assistance to members facing financial difficulties during Covid-19 pandemic.
To help families get the information they need, the NEU has created a series of posters designed to be personalised for your school/college and emailed out to parents, carers, staff and students.
Frequently asked questions for support staff on coronavirus.
Exams have been cancelled - what happens now?
The NEU is working to help ensure the health and safety of our members, their families and our schools as we continue to face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supporting children and young people to make positive relationships matter.
This briefing sets out advice on the requirements for reporting accidents, injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences which happen in schools and colleges and on supporting NEU members in casework arising out of such events.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a marked impact on mental, as well as physical health in the UK and elsewhere.
Practical steps to reduce the risk of Covid-19 disruption in schools and other education settings – Summer 2022.
This briefing summarises the basic framework of health and safety law in the context of independent schools; and in particular the pivotal role played by NEU health and safety representatives in upholding safety standards in the workplace.
Your employer should be monitoring readings from all the CO2 monitors in your school. See our tips on how to make the most effective use of CO2 monitors.
Cyhoeddwyd y cyngor hwn gan yr undebau ar y cyd (GMB, NEU Cymru, UNSAIN ac UNITE) i'w ddefnyddio mewn ysgolion a lleoliadau eraill am dymor cyntaf blwyddyn academaidd 2021-22 o leiaf.
Rhestr wirio Gweithle
A workplace checklist for members in schools and colleages
Cyngor i staff sy'n agored i niwed yn feddygol - boed hynny'n glinigol eithriadol o agored i niwed (CEV) neu'n glinigol agored i niwed (CV) - a grwpiau risg uwch
Advice for staff who are medically vulnerable - whether clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) or clinically vulnerable (CV) - and higher risk groups
Latest advice for principals and managers who may have staff experiencing protracted ill health as a result of COVID-19 infection.
Long covid advice for reps and local officers in England and Wales
The guidance is based around ‘Things you need to Do’ and ‘Things you need to Know’.
The NEU strongly urges all members who are able to receive the COVID vaccine to take it. Here are frequently asked questions on vaccination for education staff.
NEU continues to meet with DENI, the Education Authority, and the PHA and to raise a wide range of concerns for staff and pupils on substantive matters of health and safety.
NEU NI issue January guidance for NEU members in educational settings in Northern Ireland
Our advice on ventilation in Covid-19 schools and workplaces.
Ventilating indoor work areas is a key control measure in reducing Covid-19 transmission.
NEU position remains that the coming together of large groups of adults in schools, for example staff meetings, parent meetings, open days, should be suspended.
In any normal year there can be great anxiety for students, parents, carers and education staff in and around results day. This year will be no different but will have the added complexity of the extraordinary situation for awarding grades, appeals and entries into the autumn series.
A guide for reps on equality in schools, including a checklist to ensure that all eligible members receive pay progression.
Knowledge about the greater risks of Covid-19 to specific individuals and groups has grown during the current crisis.
What to look out for in your school/college risk assessment
Covid-19 guidance for medically higher risk staff Spring/Summer 2022
Not all home learning environments are equal. Put together Create Boxes for children in your school.
Ten points on the wearing of face coverings to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission and circumstances where medical masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) may be appropriate.
Ten points on how to protect mental health following the Covid19.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, a number of members will continue to be working wholly or partly from home.
Maggie Surgenor-Cooke writes about the impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the emotional wellbeing of children, parents and early years practitioners and what can be done to enhance future support mechanisms.
Ciaran O’Halloran, NEU member, head of drama at a school in Belfast, and an examiner for Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC) shares his thoughts on the ministerial decision on WJEC exams in Northern Ireland.
Mark Langhammer, Northern Ireland regional secretary's shares his concerns on the effect of low isolation figures on Covid-19 transmission in Northern Ireland.
What did we learn from the first lockdown that can help us better manage this and future disruptions?
Insight into the Sunday Times investigation of the Government’s handling of the pandemic.
If we want children to learn online, then we need to provide access
As teachers and staff take a well-earned extended break at Halloween, Mark Langhammer, Northern Ireland regional secretary reflects on the ‘school restart’.
Mark Langhammer, Northern Ireland regional secretary's blog on social distancing, hiring more teachers, a 1 to 10 ratio, secondary spikes and a cautionary note from Azerbaijan.
How has Northern Ireland’s economy coped with lockdown, and how might the workplace change as we gradually emerge? By Mark Langhammer, Northern Ireland regional secretary.
Mark Langhammer, Northern Ireland regional secretary writes about why Government should only reopen schools when it is safe to do.
NEU’s Regional Secretary, Mark Langhammer's blog on NEU's ten demands for a proposed return for schools, colleges and educational settings.
Kirsty Williams, Education Minister Wales thanks the school community for helping the country in a time of national need.
Week of 30 March, Professor Scally published important articles in the Irish Times and Irish News which were widely read and debated, and get to the heart of the UK Government’s approach to the Covid-19 crisis. Prof. Scally’s article is reproduced here in full, without the need for further comment.
NEU’s Regional Secretary, Mark Langhammer continues his weekly blog in this second week of school closures in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis.
NEU comments on recommendation to include the impact on children and young people in the Baroness Hallett Inquiry’s remit.
Comment on the passing of Motion 44 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
The NEU's State of Education survey findings on the mental health challenges in schools
It's a relief that the feedback from schools has been heeded.
Measures are being relaxed at a time when Covid-19 cases are surging in schools and colleges. This makes no sense.
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.
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.
The Government's decision to stop Covid-19 testing in schools has made education disruption more likely, not less.
We need an education system that values teachers as professionals, and they must be able to feel ownership of their professional practice.
A serious warning from the Education Committee that Government must provide enough support for disadvantaged young people or risk deepening inequalities.
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.
Once again an announcement has been made by the Prime Minister without any guidance for schools in place.
The fall in Covid-related absence is welcome but overall numbers still remain high.
The release of this 'advanced' information comes too late.
This White Paper does not provide sensible solutions to the lack of school and college funding, nor the exam factory culture.
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.
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.
This report is further evidence that pupils from more deprived backgrounds are being hit hardest by coronavirus.
It is now abundantly clear that the effects of Omicron on the operation of schools are highly significant.
This report gives a clear message to Government that listening to the profession is of vital importance.
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.
The Government shows that it recognises the problems but has failed to provide effective solutions.
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.
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.
ONS stats shows educators 37% more likely to catch Covid than other workers.
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.
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.
Boris Johnson needs to increase safety mitigations in schools and colleges.
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 pause to resumption of routine Ofsted inspections until after February half term.
The NEU is calling for the Government to introduce a plan B for schools and colleges now.
Government Plan B made no mention of schools, even as rising cases are leading to so much disruption of education.
NEU writes to the Prime Minister supporting call for equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines.
The report rightly says that the gap will require specific targeted and continued input to support the learning of disadvantaged children.
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.
"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.
We welcome the DfE guidance that masks must be worn by adults and children in year 7 and above in communal areas.
Successive Governments’ failures to plan properly for an expected pandemic have obviously contributed to the Covid crisis
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.
Latest pupil and school staff attendance data
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.
The PAC report highlights that the Government is actually doing the reverse of levelling up.
The scale of learning lost in the pandemic cannot be overcome by some short term, piecemeal measures such as catch-ups.
We welcome the announcement that vaccination centres will open for 12-15 year olds over half-term, as the NEU previously called for.
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.
NEU Cymru looking to work with the Welsh Government to make sure learners and staff are kept as safe as possible.
NEU Cymru welcomes the focus on wellbeing in the Estyn Annual Report
Schools cannot act alone. Urgent action to tackle the scourge of child poverty is needed from the Government.
Education Unions call for additional safety measures in schools
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.
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.
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.
Education unions call for Prime Minister to ‘keep his promise’ on education in Comprehensive Spending Review.
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.
The whole pandemic has been characterised by school and college staff doing everything they can, but Government not doing enough. This must change.
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.
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 declines mass vaccination of 12-15 year olds
It is very good news and very reassuring that teachers have been found not to be at greater risk of hospitalisation because of Covid.
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
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.
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.
Education unions make joint call for urgent action on ventilation in schools
Congratulations to all students for their achievements this year and all the hard work that their teachers have done to make this possible.
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.
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.
The rates of absence in schools are really down to one thing: the Government's inability to control spiralling case numbers of COVID-19.
The Education Policy Institute (EPI) and National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) report into impact of the pandemic on early years.
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.
National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) report on an increase in pupils with mental health issues.
The number of pupils absent for COVID-19 related reasons is now the highest at any point in the pandemic.
Rising infection rates increase the disruption to education, but DfE still fail to act.
NEU writes to Gavin Williamson about removal of safety measures in schools
We can all hope for the best, but we must now plan for something that is less than the best.
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.
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.
These reports show, once again, how much we need a long-term, properly thought-through and resourced plan for education recovery.
The continued sharp rise in Covid-related pupil absences risks leaving plans for the end of the school year in tatters.
The DfE "possible arrangements for testing in September" scarcely qualify as a plan at all.
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.
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.
The school workforce data must be seen in the context of the severe recruitment and retention problems that have developed over the past decade.
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.
Government must reintroduce face coverings to minimise Covid disruption in schools, say education unions
In order to keep face-to-face learning on a sustainable footing, Government must take the rising secondary school case numbers seriously.
Sir Kevan Collins, Education Recovery Commissioner Resignation.
The Government’s plans for education recovery for the nation’s pupils are inadequate and incomplete.
Labour is right to recognise that children need to recover through play and through greatly improved mental-health support.
As workload rockets for grading season, 10,000 educators write to Gavin Williamson demanding he provides compensation
We call on the Government to release school attendance figures for the local authorities to be released before the middle of June.
This report from the IFS exposes another example of the gap between Government rhetoric about investing in education recovery and the reality.
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.
The EPI report highlights the scale of the disruption caused by the pandemic and the necessary funding needed to repair the damage.
The Government have ignored SAGE’s advice to keep face masks in the classroom.
NEU meets with scientists running the trial on the use of lateral flow test (LFTs) as an alternative to isolation.
Scientists: More than 153,000 children and school staff with Long COVID means masks still needed to keep millions 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.
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.
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.
Survey of members on how best to steer a course for education out of Covid.
There is welcome clarity in today’s advice that schools can adopt the plans which best suit their situation.
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.
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.
We all hope that this is the last lockdown. But the Government has not done enough to ensure this properly.
The Government has said schools are a “national priority”, yet this Budget has provided schools with no new resources to manage coronavirus.
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.
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.
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.
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
Early years, schools and college staff must be prioritised for Phase 2 vaccinations, union and education leaders warn following reports of government row-back
No educational programme will be successful unless it is linked to measures on a massive scale to deal with poverty.
NEU is pleased that Ofsted has shown sense and further delayed its on-site inspections.
Today the NEU launches a new Education Recovery Plan
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.
The National Education Union and the Daily Mirror launch Help a Child to Learn appeal with £1m for schools.
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.
This survey is of great concern. It confirms the worries of the NEU and many others that this lockdown has not been strict enough.
We agree with the Sutton Trust that disadvantaged pupils are going to require significant extra investment because of deepening levels of deprivation.
NEU Launch Remote Education Hub
We are relieved that the Government now accepts that it was wrong to introduce testing in this way
Department for Education releases data on the impact of coronavirus on the school workforce.
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.
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.
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.
Government won't fund FSM over February half term.
Gavin Williamson on school staff being a “top priority” in next phase of vaccine rollout
The Government can't claim to protect disadvantaged students while they routinely let them down
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.
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.
The Government can't seem to decide whether schools are safe or unsafe. Let this data end their confusion.
NEU Cymru welcomes proposed closure of schools and colleges until February
Teachers and parents will be relieved that Gavin Williamson has faced up to reality and cancelled this year's SATs tests.
Education staff will need further information soon about the training proposed by Gavin Williamson to assist with ensuring consistency and fairness of grades nationally.
NEU Cymru welcomes move to on-line learning
NEU Cymru comments on the return to education
No one wanted schools and colleges to be shut again but the evidence clearly pointed to the necessity for this to happen weeks ago.
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.
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.
SAGE told ministers that they needed to close schools to contain coronavirus, before Christmas.
NEU responds to the Government’s announcement on the return to school in January
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
The Government claims to want to build back better but that will not be possible if schools are bankrupted by coronavirus.
NEU calls for new measures to ensure safe return of schools and colleges in January
Latest COVID infection survey shows huge surge amongst school and college students
NEU has today written to Gavin Williamson about his “inoperable” mass testing plan for secondary schools and colleges beginning in January.
NEU call that education staff should be vaccinated
Today’s announcement by Government, made on the last day of term, demonstrates ministerial panic rather than rational and responsible action.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
The NFER report has confirmed what the education world already knew. Schools are struggling to cope with the extra costs of Covid-19.
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
The only way to improve school attendance is for the Government to act to bring down coronavirus infection rates in schools.
NEU demand that clinically extremely vulnerable staff should work from home after lockdown.
This is a welcome intervention by Independent SAGE, which once again exposes the enormous blind-spot that Government has towards schools.
Pay freeze is a body blow to education workers
School attendance continues to fall in the face of the pandemic.
As rates rise lockdown seems to have done nothing to slow the increase in infection amongst school age pupils
NEU launches research on 'a sense of belonging' and its role in positive learning and behaviour
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.
Attendance data from England and Wales confirm the significant role that schools play in virus transmission
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.
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.
Drop in rate over half term shows role of schools in transmission.
Much of this Government guidance is welcome but more needs to be done to make schools and colleges safe.
NEU hands in petition calling for Government action to ensure fairness in 2021 exams
150,000+ teachers and support staff back the NEU, as we call for Parliament lockdown bill to include schools and colleges
DfE has opted for a cut price tuition scheme on the cheap.
The Government's current approach to exams in England is increasingly untenable.
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.
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.
Boris Johnson continues to refuse to commit to Free School Meals in school holidays.
NEU asks Gavin Williamson to explore potential of secondary schools moving to a rota system
Opposition Motion on Free School Meal provision over school holidays
Latest attendance figures show that the Government urgently needs to look at ways of reducing transmission in schools.
National Education Union is calling for an urgent circuit breaker to suppress Covid cases
NEU supports Labour ultimatum to Government on free school meals
EPI report shows disadvantaged children hardest hit by UKs education response to COVID-19
UCL research into impact of COVID-19 on primary schools
Schools should instead receive tuition money direct and target extra support as they see fit.
Covid has exposed the fault lines in our current system of assessment and accountability.
The legacy of the Covid-19 crisis must be that conditions in schools and colleges become better not worse for all of our colleagues.
Everything that can be done must be done to ensure that schools and colleges remain open wherever possible.
NEU survey shows a complete lack of trust in Government to keep schools open and safe through Covid
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.
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.
Government must do better on testing and convince parents that schools are Covid-secure to improve attendance.
NEU tells Government that support for wider opening of schools should not be taken for granted, and demands urgent action on testing
The impact of Covid-19 on initial teacher training
IFS reports largest cuts to England's schools funding in 40 years
Education Support survey on Covid pressures on schools
NEU JGSs write to Government to underline urgent safety measures that must be in place to ensure education continues for all pupils.
NEU Cymru notes face coverings announcement in schools and colleges.
Education unions make joint call for inquiry into grading fiasco
It is brazen of the Prime Minister to idly shrug away a disaster that his own Government created.
Government revises its guidance on the wearing of face coverings in schools.
Resignation of Sally Collier, Chief Regulator of Ofqual
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.
Report by PHE England and the Chief Medical Officer's comments on the full return of schools and colleges in September
NEU petition calling for action on fixing exams system reaches 25,000 signatures in its first 24 hours.
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.
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 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.
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.
NEU Cymru comment on Education Minister's announcement on last minute changes to A level grades
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.
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.
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.
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.
Survey shows parents are placing far greater trust in school leaders than Government.
National Foundation for Educational Research analysis looks at the differences in the cost of learning during the Covid-19 pandemic.
NEU Cymru have commented on Education Minister’s statement regarding full opening of schools in September.
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.
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.
NEU Cymru welcomes suspension of the categorisation system. It is important that safety is a focus ahead of 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.
Education experts call for Downing Street to prioritise Maintained Nursery School funding.
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.
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.
The National Education Union welcomes the decision not to implement reception baseline assessment in September.
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.
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.
A joint letter of agreement has been agreed and issued further to the announcement confirming that as a consequence of the current exceptional circumstances, the start of the academic year 20/21 will be from week commencing 17 August 2020.
The NEU is of course in favour of all children being back in school, but even with a one-metre rule that will need more teachers and more spaces.
NEU Cymru clarifies issues surrounding wider opening of schools.
The Prime Minister's hopes are not enough. He needs a plan for more teachers, to ask teachers who have left the profession to return, and he needs to be finding extra spaces in which they can teach smaller groups.
£1 billion additional funding for schools: Covid-19
NEU launches call for funding for Local Government to co-ordinate 2020 Summer holiday offer for children and young people.
Government to provide free school meals for children and young people over the summer holidays.
Department for Education to encourage head teachers to invite back more primary pupils before summer
The Government is seriously out of touch if it can't see that many families will need support with food.
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.
The National Education Union has today written to the Prime Minister outlining its proposals for a National Education Recovery Plan.
NEU Cymru welcomes Welsh Government guidance on schools' 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.
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.
Trade unions set out five tests Government and colleges must meet before staff and students can return.
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.
It is deeply alarming that in an already parlous situation, this report forecasts that an enormous number of children will be thrown into poverty by Christmas.
The Minister’s statement in which she has opened schools to all year groups with effect from 29 June does not sit well with NEU Cymru. It is too much, too soon.
Respondents to a survey conducted by the National Education Union between 31 May and 1 June, reveals the pragmatism of schools when asked to open more widely under easing of lockdown.
The NEU sends its solidarity to the family and friends mourning George Floyd. We condemn the systemic racism that caused George's death and we support the urgent demands for justice for George Floyd, for his family and his community.
NEU calls on Government to step back from the brink and stop wider 1 June school reopening
Serious questions about safety remain unanswered.
We are not saying only go back when it is 100% safe. But meet your own tests, produce evidence, and return when the time is right.
This latest report casts yet more doubt and concern over the Prime Minister’s decision to press ahead with a 1 June wider opening for schools.
A snapshot survey of 4,016 members of the National Education Union, reveals continued problems with health and safety even before wider opening.
Prime Minister's COVID briefing confirming wider re-opening of schools June 1st
Today, two months since lockdown was introduced, the Government has finally granted access to some of the scientific modelling behind its proposal for schools to open more widely from June 1.
Independent SAGE set two crucial conditions for the safe wider opening of schools: low levels of Coronavirus in the community, and a robust track and trace system.
Prime Minister responds to concerns on track and trace operation before the wider opening of schools during PMQs.
IFS survey: Educational gaps during lockdown
Gavin Williams COVID briefing - re wider opening of schools update
NEU Cymru welcomes no date set for opening schools in Wales. Like everyone, we want learners to be back in their classrooms. But not until it is safe to do so.
We are pleased that Sir Patrick Vallance, Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government on Covid-19 has told the NEU that information and papers from SAGE would be published and that they will prioritise its release.
It's really important that we are absolutely clear what the level of safety is and if it remains the case that we believe it to be unsafe, we will not back the wider opening of schools.
LGA need to give Councils power to close schools and nurseries when clusters of Covid-19 cases emerge.
Unions with members in the education sector are today (Wednesday) publishing a joint statement on the safe reopening of schools.
1,173 local authority councillors from across England have signed the NEU Councillors letter to Gavin Williamson.
Poll of over 1,000 parents, commissioned for NEU, shows support for lockdown measures since March.
The NEU is advising our school leader members today that we are in no position to start planning for wider opening yet.
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.
49k NEU members in one hour respond to survey giving a resounding NO to Prime Ministers roadmap for school reopening.
Prime Minister’s announcement on return of schools is nothing short of reckless.
NEU report: Coronavirus, Pupils and Schools: Unanswered Questions
NEU Cymru welcomes the announcement that schools will NOT open more widely on 1 June.
On the eve of Sage meeting at which lockdown measures will be reviewed, NEU petition demanding schools re-open only when safe to do so nears 350,000 signatures.
NEU and Parentkind sign a joint letter to the Education Secretary to express concerns about the re-opening of schools.
As the Public Accounts Committee report makes clear, the Government approach on support has let SEND children down. Covid-19 means we have to put children's learning needs and interests at the heart of the offer in the classroom.
NEU snapshot survey of over 2,000 school staff shows significant concerns about effectiveness of present social-distancing measures in schools.
The General Secretaries of 10 teacher trade unions across the UK and Ireland have written to the Education Ministers in all 5 jurisdictions urging “significant caution in any consideration of reopening schools.
Research by Sutton Trust’s suggests young people believe cancellation of A-Levels will damage their chances in university applications.
NEU has launched 5 tests for Government before schools can re-open. We believe that these test must be capable of being passed in order to create the necessary confidence amongst parents and staff.
NEU members win case against accusations of Key Stage 1 and 2 grade inflation by the Diocese of Westminster Academy Trust.
We were relieved to hear confirmation from the Education Secretary that schools and colleges will not be returning during the summer holidays. Lockdown is not a holiday.
For our members, parents and learners themselves, staying safe at this difficult time is critical. We look forward to hearing more details from the Welsh Government in the coming weeks.
NEU Cymru has welcomed the announcement by the Education Minister, setting out the conditions under which schools in Wales will reopen. The union agrees that the safety of staff and students alike is paramount.
NEU joint general secretaries have written to the education secretary Gavin Williamson about issues affecting supply staff during the Covid-19 pandemic.
We welcome the data the Office of the Children’s Commissioner (OCC) has collated to enable good local responses to supporting vulnerable children.
The NEU welcomes Ofqual’s announcement today on the regulatory arrangements for awarding this summer’s Vocational and Technical Qualifications (VTQs).
NEU welcomes Government's announcement that practical steps will be taken to test school staff for Covid-19. It is essential that staff who are self-isolating at home get immediate access to the test.
NEU Cymru welcomes the Welsh Government’s revised guidance today. Our members will be heartened to see that the Welsh Government is thinking about those children most in need of support.
Some pupils will need much more individual support than is possible, and many will need support for their wellbeing before any meaningful learning can take place.
We're pleased the Education Minister has focused on wellbeing in launching this policy statement. Like the Minister says, the wellbeing and safety of learners and education professionals alike is centrally important at this difficult time.
Over 80,000 have signed the NEU petition to "open schools when it is safe" and the number continues to grow.
Extra £1.25 million for school counselling services will be invaluable to support the anticipated increase in need for mental health services as a result of social distancing and school shut down measures.
In the light of speculation on the re-opening of schools and colleges, the joint General Secretaries of the National Education Union have called on the Prime minister for clarity on how the Government will make such a decision.
One form of assessment will not fit all, and more detail is required.
NEU Cymru welcomes the Welsh Government plans to ensure social distancing in the workplace. These are challenging times, and it is right that we try and keep those in work as safe as possible.
The UCL review indicates that school closures are effective as part of a combination of tactics. Schools can only open safely on the basis of sound scientific reasoning. We are a long way from this point.
The coronavirus microsite provides advice and recommends resources to parents to support home learning.
We are pleased to see that Government has listened to the NEU and others who have asked for FSM to be available throughout the holidays.
The Social Mobility Foundation highlights inequalities in families' home learning environments.
In a time of crisis it is welcome that the BBC is not just informing and entertaining, but remembering the other part of their original mission statement: to educate.
We are pleased that the Department for Education and Ofqual both recognise the professionalism of teachers. Exams are not the only way to assess someone’s ability.
Today four education unions, NEU, ASCL, NAHT and UCAC have issued joint coronavirus advice to their members calling for mutual respect, understanding and support.
During this time of crisis school leaders, teachers and support staff are doing essential work – caring for the children of key workers and vulnerable children in Wales.
Analysis of the available Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme guidance strongly indicates that supply staff will be covered within it.
The NEU guidance on distance learning out today makes very clear what should be acceptable levels of workload. Normal education is currently suspended, and teachers should not be teaching a full timetable, or routinely marking work.
The Covid-19 crisis means that school leaders, teachers and support staff are working in new situations and new ways in order to meet the challenges they face every day.
Supply teachers, agency teaching assistants and others working in the education sector must have proper financial stability, on a genuine like-for-like with their directly-employed counterparts.
We’re glad that the Welsh Government plan to work with us as a union. We’ve been putting forward our members’ concerns and will continue to do so.
We know many of our members will be worried, so need strong and clear advice to schools, to back up the head teachers, who are having to choose which young people can be in schools.
Our priority as a union is to our members and the children and young people they work with. We are concerned that Government advice for schools is not currently strong enough.
Schools should only remain open to those whose parents are key workers. The vast majority of children should stay at home. This is the safest place for them.
Introductory webcast of 4 by NEU/NASEN (National Association for Special Educational Needs) in a series of webinars looking at small group interventions.
Webcast 2 of 4 by NEU/NASEN (National Association for Special Educational Needs) in a series of webinars looking at small group interventions.
Webcast 3 of 4 by NEU/NASEN (National Association for Special Educational Needs) in a series of webinars looking at small group interventions.
Webcast 4 of 4 by NEU/NASEN (National Association for Special Educational Needs) in a series of webinars looking at small group interventions.