Winning on PPA time
NEU workplace reps organising with colleagues to win better PPA time.
Coronavirus: leaders
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.
Engaging with public health authorities and the public on coronavirus outbreaks
Guide for branches and districts
Coronavirus: outbreaks in school
Requirements for schools and colleges to establish outbreak management plans and advice on when and how to respond to outbreaks
Covid Guidance for Education Settings September 2021
The Department of Education have published their revised Coronavirus Guidance for Educational Settings.
Important update for teacher members: exam results, appeals, and impact on days worked
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.
Coronavirus: reviewing your behaviour policy after Covid
How to support positive learning behaviours
Summer holidays 2021
Support for children and young people and the role for schools
Coronavirus: face coverings
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.
Joint Council for Qualifications exam board guidance on the awarding of GCSE, AS and A-level grades in summer 2021
This guidance applies to all awarding organisations offering GCSEs, AS and A-Levels in England.
Covid-19 and schools
The latest weekly National Education Union (NEU) report on education Covid-19 data.
Wales Education Recovery Plan
NEU Cymru Education Recovery Plan – February 2021
NEU Education Recovery Plan, Northern Ireland
The National Education Union (NEU) education recovery plan sets out how to reopen schools and colleges in a safe and sustainable way.
Education Recovery Plan
The NEU education recovery plan sets out how to fully reopen schools and colleges in a safe and sustainable way.
Scheme to support substitute teachers during school closures
Department of Education NI introduces scheme to help support substitute teachers during the current six-week period of school closures.
Remote Education Hub
An online platform to support NEU members in delivering and sharing best practice
Keep early years safe and funded
We need urgent funding for early years and maintained nursery schools now to prevent closures in this vital sector.
Concerns about re-opening of special schools
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.
Latest guidance from DENI for schools
To support schools, Department of Education, Northern Ireland (DENI) has prepared phase specific information.
2021 exams in Northern Ireland
Education Minister clarifies position on exams in NI 2021.
Coronavirus: livestreaming lessons
Suggestions from NEU members working on health and safety issues.
Coronavirus: 10 tips for successful blended learning in schools
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.
Coronavirus: what we know about online learning - primary
Information for NEU members working in primary schools on providing education to students at home, as they would when they are in the classroom.
Coronavirus: what we know about online learning - SEND
Information for NEU members working in SEND schools on providing education to students at home, as they would when they are in the classroom.
Coronavirus: what we know about online learning - secondary
Information for NEU members working in secondary schools on providing education to students at home, as they would when they are in the classroom.
Coronavirus: remote learning
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.
Guidance for schools and educational settings in Northern Ireland
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.
SAGE advice
Seventy-fourth SAGE meeting on COVID-19, 22nd December 2020 Held via Video Teleconference
School safety action UK wide
National Education Union action on unsafe educational settings to apply to Northern Ireland members
Winning at work during coronavirus: Sylvia's story
Leicester secondary rep Sylvia McNeil describes how she negotiates during a pandemic
Winning on directed time during the pandemic
Some of the collective wins achieved by Kathryn Peers, workplace rep at Bracken Edge Primary School, Leeds.
Coronavirus: trainee placements in December
The NEU is advising all teacher trainees to finish their placements in early December.
Local authorities and MATs CEV advice
Local authorities and multi academy trusts that have agreed with the NEU’s position on CEV workers.
Winning at work on pay – Robert’s story
Robert Poole, NEU Secondary rep, Greater Manchester, talks about how he became an NEU Rep, and achieved a successful pay campaign at his workplace.
School Attendance November
The school attendance figures for last week show a shocking increase in the disruption coronavirus is causing to our schools.
Coronavirus: supporting vulnerable students & staff
What you need to know on supporting vulnerable students and staff during the coronavirus crisis.
Coronavirus: health and safety
Advice for members and reps on how to protect and keep yourself safe in the workpplace during the coronavirus crisis.
Winning at work on safety: Andy's story
Wirral primary rep Andy Heywood describes his successful safety campaign.
Winning at work during coronavirus: Donna's story
Telford Special school rep Donna Macdonald describes her successful organising campaign.
Winning at work on safety: Fran's story
Swindon primary rep Fran King describes how acting collectively led to a successful safety campaign.
Coronavirus: what you need to know - teaching & learning
What you need to know about exams, teaching and learning during the coronavirus crisis.
Winning at work on safety: Noo's story
Oldham rep Noo Khadem describes her successful safety campaign.
NI Schools closed for extended half term holiday break
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.
Coronavirus: officers
Guide for National Education Union officers on how to support your members during coronavirus
Coronavirus: workload and working entitlements
Advice on workload when working in school or at home during the coronavirus crisis
Coronavirus: PRP objectives
Ensure performance related pay objectives are reasonable in the current circumstances
Greater safety in schools
Our demands: the Government must help schools to be as safe as possible
Coronavirus: NEU office risk assessments
All union risk assessments for national and regional offices
Coronavirus: New School Day
This guidance has been developed for education settings, to support a safe reopening of schools in line with the Northern Ireland Executive’s “Coronavirus Executive Approach to Decision-Making” published on 12 May 2020.
Coronavirus and SEND
The coronavirus pandemic has contributed to specific issues in special schools and for SEND in mainstream schools. Updated September 2021.
NEU Councillors Network welcome Marcus Rashford campaign victory
The National Education Union councillors’ network thanks Marcus Rashford for speaking out about his family’s personal experiences and is calling on the Government to fully fund a summer holiday offer for learners.
Coronavirus : Advice for members in Wales
Advice for NEU members in Wales during the coronavirus crisis.
Coronavirus: reps
Guide for National Education Union workplace representatives.
Community: why community matters for learning during coronavirus
There are huge pressures on families during coronavirus but students have also learned and developed many skills and aptitudes at home.
Connections: why keeping learners connected matters during coronavirus
There are many ways schools and colleges can keep students connected and intentionally promote a sense of belonging
Create: why being creative matters for learning during coronavirus
Despite the uncertainty, there are opportunities- and practical reasons- why we need creativity and flexibility in our approach to the curriculum during coronavirus.
Context: why the context for learners matters during coronavirus
Starting from students' experiences, generating a motivation to learn and making learning relevant is really important during Coronavirus.
Care: why well-being matters for learning during coronavirus
Prioritising the well-being and welfare of staff and students really matters as we plan and reflect on learning during coronavirus
Supporting social & emotional aspects of learning
Take a look at the five Cs which we think can help you to support students throughout the next academic year.
Only when it's safe
See the stories of NEU members across England, who only want wider school opening when it’s safe
Supply worker employment and the COVID-19 crisis: NEU survey report 2020
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.
Step 12 - remote education during wider opening
Questions for reps to ask
Step 11 - planning what to teach and how
Questions for reps to ask
Step 10 – managing pupil and staff wellbeing and mental health
Questions for reps to ask
Steps 8 & 9 - communicating with staff and parents
Questions for reps to ask
Step 7 – changes to routines for staff and pupils
Questions for reps to ask
Step 6 - external support for SEND and behaviour
Questions for reps to ask
Step 5 – practical steps to reduce risk
Questions for reps to ask
Step 4 – creating and staffing your temporary teaching groups
Questions for reps to ask
Step 3 - familiarise yourself with the maximum safe group size
Questions for reps to ask
Step 2 - reviewing staff for availability in school
Questions for reps to ask
Step 1 - preparing the site
Questions for reps to ask
Planning checklist for special schools (including PRUs and SEMH settings)
NEU/GMB/Unison/Unite have produced a commentary and checklist guide for special schools.
Children’s Commissioner
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.
Coronavirus: post 16
NEU advice and FAQs for members in post-16 colleges regarding Covid-19.
Coronavirus - residential establishments
Advice on specific issues relating to the residential sector during the coronavirus crisis.
Coronavirus guidance and FAQs
NEU advice to members on safety and other matters – now including advice on supporting members with long Covid
Coronavirus : returning to work during the lock down
NEU legal advice if your school announces that it is open or planning to reopen for more pupils and asks staff to return to work at school before the lock down is lifted.
Coronavirus : What you need to know - safety issues
NEU advice on what you need to know during the coronavirus crisis.
Coronavirus : what you need to know - phoning pupils at home
Ten things you need to on educators phoning pupils at home during the coronavirus crisis.
NEU hardship fund
The NEU Hardship Fund has been established to provide financial assistance to members facing financial difficulties as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.
Coronavirus: support services and information for families
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.
Unity Trust Bank Covid-19 statement
Statement from Lindsey Podolanski, Chief Operating Officer at Unity Trust Bank, regarding use of their services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coronavirus: support staff FAQs
Frequently asked questions for support staff on coronavirus.
Coronavirus update call
Coronavirus update call for members with Kevin Courtney and Mary Bousted at 6pm on Monday 30th March
Coronavirus: what you need to know - exams (Wales)
Exams have been cancelled - what happens now?
Coronavirus: making a difference
How the NEU is helping you win in your workplace
Coronavirus
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.
AGENDA
Supporting children and young people to make positive relationships matter.
Accidents, injuries, diseases and dangerous occurances at school
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.
Advice
Covid-19: Safety update
Latest NEU NI Covid-19 advice on health and safety for members.
Use of CO2 monitors
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.
Covid-19: Impact on staffing and when remote learning applies
Latest update on staffing and remote learning in Northern Ireland
Omicron - NEU response
To minimise education disruption for students NEU is calling for additional mitigations to be in place immediately to slow the spread of Covid-19
Do's and Don'ts: Covid-19 outbreaks
Dos and don’ts for schools and colleges on Covid-19 and dealing with outbreaks
Rhestr wirio diogelwch Cyd- Undebol ar gyfer ysgolion (Cymru)
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.
Joint union safety checklist for schools (Wales)
This advice has been issued by the joint unions (GMB, NEU Cymru, UNISON and UNITE) for use in schools and other settings for at least the first term of the 2021-22 academic year.
Canllaw cyd-undebol i wella awyru mewn ysgolion a cholegau (Cymru)
Rhestr wirio Gweithle
Joint union guide to improving ventilation in schools and colleges (Wales)
A workplace checklist for members in schools and colleages
Coronavirus: sickness absence policy
Checklist for Sickness Absence Policy: Covid-19 appendix
Coronafeirws: grwpiau sy'n agored i niwed yn feddygol ac yn wynebu risg uwch
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
Coronavirus: joint union advice for schools and colleges (Wales)
Advice for staff who are medically vulnerable - whether clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) or clinically vulnerable (CV) - and higher risk groups
Supporting members with long covid - Northern Ireland
Latest advice for principals and managers who may have staff experiencing protracted ill health as a result of COVID-19 infection.
Supporting members with long covid
Long covid advice for reps and local officers in England and Wales
Coronavirus risk assessment - top tips
Risk assessments should be reviewed and revised for current circumstances, and NEU reps and members should be fully involved.
Updated guidance for reps on the wider opening of schools
The guidance is based around ‘Things you need to Do’ and ‘Things you need to Know’.
Coronavirus: vaccination
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.
Special schools supplementary Covid-19 guidance
Department of Education NI publishes supplementary guidance to the DE Coronavirus guidance for education settings (December 2020) previously issued to all schools.
Covid-19 risk assessments Northern Ireland
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.
Northern Ireland January guidance
NEU NI issue January guidance for NEU members in educational settings in Northern Ireland
School safety advice
Advice on safety in schools during lockdown.
Covid-19 absences & impact on pay
This guidance applies to all staff - including substitute teachers and temporary non-teaching staff in response to absences because of Covid-19.
Updated guidance for schools on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
This guidance for Northern Ireland provides the latest advice on absence, pay arrangements and staffing matters linked to COVID-19.
Coronavirus: leadership and workload
Leadership, Workload and Covid-19
Coronavirus and pregnancy
Covid-19 and pregnancy: Dos and Don’ts
Coronavirus : Northern Ireland ventilation and temperature
Our advice on ventilation in Covid-19 schools and workplaces.
Coronavirus: sharing information on confirmed or suspected cases
Information to be shared by school leaders in the event of a confirmed or suspected case of Covid-19.
Coronavirus: Ofsted autumn interim visits
Guidance on workload and the Ofsted autumn interim visits
Coronavirus: ventilation and temperature
Ventilating indoor work areas is a key control measure in reducing Covid-19 transmission.
Coronavirus: Dos and Don'ts
Covid-19 safety in schools. These are minimum standards for keeping everyone safe and ensuring reasonable working conditions.
Concerns about face to face meetings in schools
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.
Guidance for results days in 2020
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.
Pay progression – bargaining for equality
A guide for reps on equality in schools, including a checklist to ensure that all eligible members receive pay progression.
Coronavirus: teacher pay and appraisal in England
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic means that performance-related pay (PRP) is completely unworkable and should be discontinued.
Coronavirus: joint union safety checklist for schools and other settings
Measures to slow the spread in schools and other education settings – January 2022
Coronavirus: independent boarding schools
NEU advice on Covid-19 for members working in boarding schools during the coronavirus crisis
Coronavirus: managing blended approaches
As schools face the challenges of the pandemic, teachers will be engaged in both face-to-face teaching and supporting remote learning.
Coronavirus: inspection briefing and checklist for health and safety reps
Inspection briefing and checklist for NEU health and safety reps to use during the coronavirus crisis.
Coronavirus: Awarding for qualifications summer 2020
Interim guidance for detailed submissions made to OFQUAL, DE, CCEA and others on awarding for qualifications Summer 2020.
COVID-19 : Risk assessments for individual staff
Knowledge about the greater risks of Covid-19 to specific individuals and groups has grown during the current crisis.
Coronavirus: checklist for NEU Caseworkers
The following checklist will help you to assess, in discussion with the member, whether it is safe for a physical meeting to go ahead, and if not, whether a remote, digital, meeting is appropriate.
Coronavirus : FAQs for Black educators
Frequently asked questions for Black educators during the coronavirus crisis.
Coronavirus: school/college risk assessment
What to look out for in your school/college risk assessment
Coronavirus: checklist for supply educators
This National Education Union (NEU) checklist for supply members gives advice on working via supply agencies or directly with schools and colleges from September 2021.
Coronavirus: medically vulnerable and higher risk groups
Advice on medically vulnerable and higher risk groups. - whether clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) or clinically vulnerable (CV).
Coronavirus: supply educators guidance
We know that supply educators have experienced real difficulties since the pandemic began, particularly during school closures. Those difficulties continue, however, even with schools and colleges open.
Create Box
Not all home learning environments are equal. Put together Create Boxes for children in your school.
Coronavirus: face masks and PPE in schools and colleges
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.
Academy conversion during the COVID-19 lockdown
Some schools plan to continue with academy conversion during the COVID-19 crisis. This is despite the current lockdown meaning schools are closed to most pupils.
Coronavirus: what you need to know - staff mental health and wellbeing
Ten points on how to protect staff mental health during the Covid-19 crisis.
Coronavirus: pregnancy, maternity and childcare FAQs
Coronavirus FAQs for all members who are pregnant or on maternity leave and on childcare
Coronavirus: pupil mental health and wellbeing
What you need to know about supporting child mental health and wellbeing
Coronavirus: Implementing social distancing in education settings
Every child who can be safely cared for at home should be, to limit the chance of the virus spreading.
Coronavirus: NQTs and trainees
NEU advice regarding the completion of initial teacher training courses and inducation of newly qualified teachers during the coronavirus crisis.
Coronavirus: ensuring safety in hubs
Leaders of schools that are being asked to join larger hubs should carefully evaluate the risks.
Coronavirus : safe home-based working
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, a number of members will continue to be working wholly or partly from home.
Coronavirus: Advice and guidance on exam cancellation (Northern Ireland)
Twelve points on exam cancellation for GCSEs, AS, A-levels and International Baccalaureate
Coronavirus: advice and guidance on exam cancellation (Wales)
Ten points on exam cancellation for GCSEs, AS-levels, A-levels and the Skills Challenge Certificate
Coronavirus: independent sector FAQs
Staff in independent schools should be consulted on any proposed significant changes to working conditions during the coronavirus outbreak.
Coronavirus and sick pay schemes
Relevant extracts from the Burgundy Book and Green Book sick pay schemes
Blog
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on early years
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.
Peter Weir's executive dysfunction
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.
The Covid-19 emergency deepens – concern about low isolation figures
Mark Langhammer, Northern Ireland regional secretary's shares his concerns on the effect of low isolation figures on Covid-19 transmission in Northern Ireland.
Coronavirus: getting the basics in first
What did we learn from the first lockdown that can help us better manage this and future disruptions?
COVID-19 and the Government’s handling of the pandemic
Insight into the Sunday Times investigation of the Government’s handling of the pandemic.
Risky business: learning in a pandemic
If we want children to learn online, then we need to provide access
Safe schools – reappraisal required?
As teachers and staff take a well-earned extended break at Halloween, Mark Langhammer, Northern Ireland regional secretary reflects on the ‘school restart’.
Coronavirus: Keep your distance and beware of complacency!
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.
Coronavirus: Changed economy, changed schools and colleges?
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.
Coronavirus: Reopening schools: Looking for international ‘outs’ – New Zealand and Denmark
Mark Langhammer, Northern Ireland regional secretary writes about why Government should only reopen schools when it is safe to do.
Coronavirus: When should schools and colleges re-open?
NEU’s Regional Secretary, Mark Langhammer's blog on NEU's ten demands for a proposed return for schools, colleges and educational settings.
Coronavirus: Schools are providing a vital service during this time
Kirsty Williams, Education Minister Wales thanks the school community for helping the country in a time of national need.
Coronavirus: Should we trust the UK Government?
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.
Coronavirus: We are living in extraordinary times
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.
Press release
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Call for equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines
NEU writes to the Prime Minister supporting call for equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines.
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.
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.
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.
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 Attendance Data
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 school attendance data
Latest pupil and school staff attendance data
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.
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.
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.
ONS Coronavirus Infection 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.
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.
Estyn Annual Report 2021
NEU Cymru welcomes the focus on wellbeing in the Estyn Annual Report
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.
Ofqual on 2022 Summer Exams
It is welcomed that an announcement has finally been made on exams, grading and contingency plans for 2022, however it has come far too late.
Keir Starmer 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.
Joint unions submission ahead of Comprehensive Spending Review
Education unions call for Prime Minister to ‘keep his promise’ on education in Comprehensive Spending Review.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Urgent action needed on ventilation in schools
Education unions make joint call for urgent action on ventilation in schools
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
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.
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.
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.
Coronavirus: school outbreaks remain high
NEU comment as latest PHE data shows school outbreaks remain high
NFER on Pupil Covid-Related Anxiety
National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) report on an increase in pupils with mental health issues.
Latest School Attendance Figures
The number of pupils absent for COVID-19 related reasons is now the highest at any point in the pandemic.
Rise in Coronavirus Clusters in Schools
Rising infection rates increase the disruption to education, but DfE still fail to act.
Removal of school safety measures
NEU writes to Gavin Williamson about removal of safety measures in schools
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.
Labour on 2022 Examinations
September 1st is the absolute latest that information should be provided about qualifications in 2022. There still hasn’t been any detail nor a public consultation, and we are already in July. That is unacceptable.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The State of Education: Poverty, the Pandemic and Recovery
Survey of members on how best to steer a course for education out of Covid.
Summer Schools
There is welcome clarity in today’s advice that schools can adopt the plans which best suit their situation.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Ofsted Inspections
NEU is pleased that Ofsted has shown sense and further delayed its on-site inspections.
NEU launches plan for education return and recovery
Today the NEU launches a new Education Recovery Plan
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.
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.
Ofsted on Remote Education
Ofsted's insistence on "monitoring" only adds to the pressure onschools
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.
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.
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
Gavin Williamson on 2021 Exams
The principle of trusting teachers rather than algorithms is absolutely the right one to take. The fact that the Government originally did not do so last summer was what caused upset and chaos for students.
Government and Laptops
The Government can't claim to protect disadvantaged students while they routinely let them down
Keir Starmer 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.
ONS Coronavirus Infection 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
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.
Wales move to on-line learning
NEU Cymru welcomes move to on-line learning
Wales return to education
NEU Cymru comments on the return to education
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.
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.
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.
School Attendance Data
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.
Ofsted on Covid Isolation
It is hugely concerning that Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) children are not doing as well as their peers in terms of coping with remote 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.
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
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.
DfE package of measures - 2021 examinations
The Westminster Government’s slow decision-making process on secondary exams and qualifications is better than nothing, but far less helpful than it could have been if it had been made sooner.
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.
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
Latest Attendance Figures
The only way to improve school attendance is for the Government to act to bring down coronavirus infection rates in schools.
Ofsted Annual Report
The best thing Ofsted could do would be to announce that their routine inspections will not begin again this academic year.
Labour on exams
Labour is right to point to huge deficiencies in what the Government has so far said about exams for next summer.
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.
Spending Review 2020
Pay freeze is a body blow to education workers
Attendance figures update
School attendance continues to fall in the face of the pandemic.
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
Belonging, behaviour, and learning outcomes
NEU launches research on 'a sense of belonging' and its role in positive learning and behaviour
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.
Education Committee on Exams
The National Education Union agrees with the Education Select Committee’s conclusion that exams for 2021 must take account of the differential impacts of access to education across the country.
Latest school attendance figures - November
Attendance data from England and Wales confirm the significant role that schools play in virus transmission
Wales exams
Clear decisions of Welsh Government on 2021 exams shows England lagging behind.
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.
EPI on Exams in 2021
Education Policy Institute say Gavin Williamson really should have listened sooner on exams next year.
Infection Rates in Schools and Colleges
Drop in rate over half term shows role of schools in transmission.
New national restrictions for schools
Much of this Government guidance is welcome but more needs to be done to make schools and colleges safe.
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
National Tutoring Programme
DfE has opted for a cut price tuition scheme on the cheap.
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.
Latest Attendance Figures
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
Latest 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
2021 exams
Government announcement on 2021 exams is a dereliction of duty
Education policy responses to pandemic
EPI report shows disadvantaged children hardest hit by UKs education response to COVID-19
Covid-19 impact on primary schools
UCL research into impact of COVID-19 on primary schools
Boris Johnson's speech
Schools should instead receive tuition money direct and target extra support as they see fit.
No Government plan for 2021 exams
Government needs to do more to ensure next year's GCSE and A levels are fair to students
Proposal for Awarding Exams Grades in 2021
Five education organisations, representing school leaders, teachers, and governors, have submitted a set of joint proposals to make next summer’s A-levels and GCSEs as fair as possible amidst the ongoing disruption of the Covid pandemic.
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
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.
School Attendance Figures
Government must do better on testing and convince parents that schools are Covid-secure to improve attendance.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Government U-Turn on Exams
Government forced into U-turn on A-level exam grades.
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
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
Exam Results ‘Triple Lock’
Gavin Williamson has many questions to answer on his exam 'triple lock'.
Scotland exam results
UK now has two different entry systems for UK universities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Coronavirus: Full opening of schools in September
NEU Cymru have commented on Education Minister’s statement regarding full opening of schools in September.
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.
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.
Coronavirus: Ofqual consultation on exams and assessments
The NEU is seriously concerned about the minimal suggestions made in Ofqual’s proposals for exams in summer 2021.
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: Maintained Nursery School Funding
Education experts call for Downing Street to prioritise Maintained Nursery School funding.
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: 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.
Coronavirus: Baseline assessment delay
The National Education Union welcomes the decision not to implement reception baseline assessment in September.
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: 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.
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.
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.
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.
Free school meals for children and young people
Government to provide free school meals for children and young people over the summer holidays.
Coronavirus - flexibility for primary schools
Department for Education to encourage head teachers to invite back more primary pupils before summer
Free School Meals
The Government is seriously out of touch if it can't see that many families will need support with food.
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: National Education Recovery Plan
The National Education Union has today written to the Prime Minister outlining its proposals for a National Education Recovery Plan.
Coronavirus: Welsh Government guidance on schools' wider opening
NEU Cymru welcomes Welsh Government guidance on schools' wider opening.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Over 1000 councillors write to Gavin Williamson
1,173 local authority councillors from across England have signed the NEU Councillors letter to Gavin Williamson.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Letter to Gavin Williamson on behalf of supply members
NEU joint general secretaries have written to the education secretary Gavin Williamson about issues affecting supply staff during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Children at Risk During Lockdown
We welcome the data the Office of the Children’s Commissioner (OCC) has collated to enable good local responses to supporting vulnerable children.
Ofqual plan for Vocational and Technical Qualifications
The NEU welcomes Ofqual’s announcement today on the regulatory arrangements for awarding this summer’s Vocational and Technical Qualifications (VTQs).
Testing for teachers and school staff
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.
Changes to Free School Meals guidance
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.
Press release - Remote learning
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.
Minister focuses on wellbeing in latest statement
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 sign NEU petition
Over 80,000 have signed the NEU petition to "open schools when it is safe" and the number continues to grow.
Extra money for mental health services
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.
Letter to PM on school opening
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.
Ofqual: Vocational and Technical Qualifications
One form of assessment will not fit all, and more detail is required.
Guidance on social distancing at work
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.
School closure policies
The UCL review indicates that school closures are effective as part of a combination of tactics. Schools can only open safely on the basis of sound scientific reasoning. We are a long way from this point.
NEU launches microsite for parents and carers
The coronavirus microsite provides advice and recommends resources to parents to support home learning.
Free School Meals available over the Easter Holidays
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.
Home schooling and the educational divide
The Social Mobility Foundation highlights inequalities in families' home learning environments.
BBC Education Service
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.
Summer 2020 grades for GCSE, AS and A level
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.
Coronavirus: Joint covid-19 advice Wales
Today four education unions, NEU, ASCL, NAHT and UCAC have issued joint coronavirus advice to their members calling for mutual respect, understanding and support.
Coronavirus crisis - Joint union advice on COVID-19 Wales
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.
Agencies must support supply staff in education sector
Analysis of the available Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme guidance strongly indicates that supply staff will be covered within it.
NEU issues guidance on distance learning
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.
Coronavirus crisis - joint union advice on COVID-19
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.
Action for supply teachers
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.
NEU Cymru comments on schools staying open
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.
Coronavirus: Keeping staff and young people safe in schools and colleges
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.
Safety in schools during coronavirus outbreak
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.
Coronavirus: School attendance
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.
Event
Why interventions are important and what impact can they have?
Introductory webcast of 4 by NEU/NASEN (National Association for Special Educational Needs) in a series of webinars looking at small group interventions.
How to prepare to deliver an intervention
Webcast 2 of 4 by NEU/NASEN (National Association for Special Educational Needs) in a series of webinars looking at small group interventions.
How to maximise the impact of interventions
Webcast 3 of 4 by NEU/NASEN (National Association for Special Educational Needs) in a series of webinars looking at small group interventions.
What to do following an intervention
Webcast 4 of 4 by NEU/NASEN (National Association for Special Educational Needs) in a series of webinars looking at small group interventions.
Coronavirus wellbeing webinar
A webinar to explore some of the mental and physical wellbeing challenges members may face due to the coronavirus crisis.