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.
The NEU education recovery plan sets out how to fully 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.
A platform to support NEU members in delivering effective remote learning
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.
Suggestions from NEU members working on health and safety issues.
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
The NEU is advising all teacher trainees to finish their placements in early December.
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.
Covid-19: our commitment to members, children and young people
The school attendance figures for last week show a shocking increase in the disruption coronavirus is causing to our schools.
What you need to know on supporting vulnerable students and staff during the coronavirus crisis.
Advice for members and reps on how to protect and keep yourself safe in the workpplace during the coronavirus crisis.
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.
What you need to know about exams, teaching and learning during the coronavirus crisis.
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.
Guide for National Education Union officers on how to support your members during coronavirus
Advice on workload and working in school or at home during the coronavirus crisis.
Ensure performance related pay objectives are reasonable in the current circumstances
Our demands: the Government must help schools to be as safe as possible
All union risk assessments for national and regional offices
Guidance for reps and officers on virus outbreak response escalation.
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.
The coronavirus pandemic has contributed to specific issues in special schools and for SEND in mainstream schools.
Advice on pregnancy and maternity and childcare rights during the Covid-19 crisis
Coronavirus FAQs for centrally employed (Soulbury) members.
This guidance sets out the steps members can take to ensure that parents and carers are not disadvantaged during the Covid-19 crisis by their childcare responsibilities.
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.
Advice for NEU members in Wales during the coronavirus crisis.
Guide for National Education Union workplace representatives.
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 primary schools.
NEU/GMB/Unison/Unite have produced a commentary and checklist guide for secondary schools.
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.
Parents, pupils, school staff and everyone in our communities want schools to reopen more widely, but only when it’s safe.
NEU advice and FAQs for members in post-16 colleges regarding Covid-19.
Advice on specific issues relating to the residential sector during the coronavirus crisis.
NEU advice to members on safety and other matters - now including advice on summer events and on supporting members with long Covid.
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.
NEU advice on what you need to know during the coronavirus crisis.
Ten things you need to on educators phoning pupils at home during the coronavirus crisis.
We outline our own five tests we think the Government must meet before moving to the further opening of schools.
Ten points to support child mental health and wellbeing in primary and secondary schools as well as protecting mental health of staff in schools.
The NEU Hardship Fund has been established to provide financial assistance to members facing financial difficulties as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.
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.
Statement from Lindsey Podolanski, Chief Operating Officer at Unity Trust Bank, regarding use of their services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Frequently asked questions for support staff on coronavirus.
Join Andrew Morris, assistant general secretary and Jayne Phillips, head of legal services for a telephone town hall conference call for supply members at 3.00pm on Monday, 30 March.
Coronavirus update call for members with Kevin Courtney and Mary Bousted at 6pm on Monday 30th March
Exams have been cancelled - what happens now?
Conference call for Members of Parliament at 2.30pm on Friday 27th March
How the NEU is helping you win in your workplace
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.
Advice for reps and members in Northern Ireland.
Long covid advice for reps and local officers in England and Wales
Risk assessments should be reviewed and revised for current circumstances, and NEU reps and members should be fully involved.
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.
Department of Education NI publishes supplementary guidance to the DE Coronavirus guidance for education settings (December 2020) previously issued to all schools.
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
Advice on safety in schools during lockdown.
Joint statement on behalf of NAHT, ASCL, NEU, NASUWT, AOC, NGA, The Church of England Education Office
The union supports the concept of regular mass testing for staff and students as one of the measures to help prevent schools and colleges becoming Covid-19 hot spots. This is an important control measure following the return to full opening in March.
This guidance applies to all staff - including substitute teachers and temporary non-teaching staff in response to absences because of Covid-19.
This guidance for Northern Ireland provides the latest advice on absence, pay arrangements and staffing matters linked to COVID-19.
Leadership, Workload and Covid-19
Covid-19 and pregnancy: Dos and Don’ts
Our advice on ventilation in Covid-19 schools and workplaces.
Guidance for school leaders and health & safety reps including NEU advice on good practice and on privacy requirements.
Adopting rota systems in secondary schools and colleges can provide continuous education while helping to suppress the virus.
Guidance on workload and the Ofsted autumn interim visits
Staff who are at greater risk of severe illness from coronavirus must be protected.
Ventilating indoor work areas is a key control measure in reducing Covid-19 transmission.
Covid-19 safety in schools. These are minimum standards for keeping everyone safe and ensuring reasonable working conditions.
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.
Frequently asked questions on childcare during the coronavirus crisis.
This is supplementary advice for peripatetic staff who work across a number of schools and/or undertake home visits.
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.
The impact of the COVID-19 crisis means that, for all schools and academies, PRP is completely unworkable and should be suspended.
This advice has been issued by the joint unions (GMB, NEU, UNISON and UNITE) for use in schools and colleges and will remain in place at least until the end of the 2020-21 academic year.
NEU advice on Covid-19 for members working in boarding schools during the coronavirus crisis.
As schools face the challenges of the pandemic, teachers will be engaged in both face-to-face teaching and supporting remote learning.
Inspection briefing and checklist for NEU health and safety reps to use during the coronavirus crisis.
Interim guidance for detailed submissions made to OFQUAL, DE, CCEA and others on awarding for qualifications Summer 2020.
Knowledge about the greater risks of Covid-19 to specific individuals and groups has grown during the current crisis.
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.
Frequently asked questions for Black educators during the coronavirus crisis.
What to look out for in your school/college risk assessment
This National Education Union (NEU) checklist for supply members gives advice on working via supply agencies or directly with schools and colleges following wider opening from 8 March 2021 onwards in England and 22 February in Wales.
Advice on medically vulnerable and higher risk groups. - whether clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) or clinically vulnerable (CV).
We know that supply educators have experienced real difficulties since lockdown began. Those difficulties continue even with schools and colleges open.
Not all home learning environments are equal. Put together Create Boxes for children in your school.
Ten points on circumstances where medical masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) may be appropriate.
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.
Ten points on how to protect staff mental health during the Covid-19 crisis.
Coronavirus FAQs for all members who are pregnant or on maternity leave
What you need to know about supporting child mental health and wellbeing
Every child who can be safely cared for at home should be, to limit the chance of the virus spreading.
NEU advice regarding the completion of initial teacher training courses and inducation of newly qualified teachers during the coronavirus crisis.
Leaders of schools that are being asked to join larger hubs should carefully evaluate the risks.
During the current period of lockdown and partial school/college opening many members will be working wholly or partly from home.
Twelve points on exam cancellation for GCSEs, AS, A-levels and International Baccalaureate
Ten points on exam cancellation for GCSEs, AS-levels, A-levels and the Skills Challenge Certificate
Staff in independent schools should be consulted on any proposed significant changes to working conditions during the coronavirus outbreak.
Relevant extracts from the Burgundy Book and Green Book sick pay schemes
Our major priority, during this awful crisis, is the health and safety of our members who are continuing to go to work to care for vulnerable pupils and the children of key workers.
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.
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.
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.
NEU comment as latest PHE data shows school outbreaks remain high
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.
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.
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.
Ofsted's insistence on "monitoring" only adds to the pressure onschools
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
The best thing Ofsted could do would be to announce that their routine inspections will not begin again this academic year.
Labour is right to point to huge deficiencies in what the Government has so far said about exams for next summer.
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.
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.
Attendance data from England and Wales confirm the significant role that schools play in virus transmission
Clear decisions of Welsh Government on 2021 exams shows England lagging behind.
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.
Education Policy Institute say Gavin Williamson really should have listened sooner on exams next year.
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
Government announcement on 2021 exams is a dereliction of duty
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.
Government needs to do more to ensure next year's GCSE and A levels are fair to students
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.
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.
Government forced into U-turn on A-level exam grades.
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
Gavin Williamson has many questions to answer on his exam 'triple lock'.
UK now has two different entry systems for UK universities.
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.
The NEU is seriously concerned about the minimal suggestions made in Ofqual’s proposals for exams in summer 2021.
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.
Given that “the science” is clearly having to bend to political will, at a time when the spread of the virus is accelerating and dangerous, we feel it is beholden on us as your union to meet with you, hear your views, and do what we can to support you.
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.
A webinar to explore some of the mental and physical wellbeing challenges members may face due to the coronavirus crisis.
