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.
Drug and alcohol policy checklist
This checklist should be used alongside the NEU’s model Drug and Alcohol policy to help you negotiate a policy acceptable to the union.
Asbestos in school buildings
New JUAC analysis of asbestos in schools published to mark Action Mesothelioma Day
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: 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.
Covid-19 and schools
The latest weekly National Education Union (NEU) report on education Covid-19 data.
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.
Computer safety
This briefing gives guidance on health and safety precautions for staff and pupils working with information & communications technology (ICT) equipment, including computers, keyboards, display screens, laptops, tablets and smartphones.
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.
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.
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.
Domestic abuse and the workplace
An NEU toolkit to support members affected at work by domestic abuse. Model policy, guidance, poster, FAQs and a checklist for reps and leaders. #NEURNotAlone
Coronavirus: health and safety
Advice for members and reps on how to protect and keep yourself safe in the workpplace during the coronavirus crisis.
Health and Safety Month 2020
NEU Health and Safety Month was to empower members, reps and officers with skills and knowledge to ensure schools and colleges are as safe as they can be, during the pandemic and beyond.
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.
Winning at work on safety: Noo's story
Oldham rep Noo Khadem describes her successful safety campaign.
Coronavirus: officers
Guide for National Education Union officers on how to support your members during coronavirus
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
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 : What you need to know - safety issues
NEU advice on what you need to know during the coronavirus crisis.
Safety committees
This briefing sets out the objectives and benefits of safety committees, in addition to advice and guidance on their composition, inception, and remit.
Health and safety reps
NEU health and safety representatives play a vital role in promoting safety in the workplace by representing members and employees’ interests on health and safety issues.
Vermin and pest control
This briefing lists the most common sorts of school infestation, together with control measures that should be in place in all schools.
Accidents and injuries
Browse all content tagged with accidents and injuries
Menopause
Advice on working through the menopause, guides and checklists for leaders and school reps and the NEU's model menopause policy.
Classroom temperature and adverse weather conditions
Advice on your legal rights and NEU union policy on the maximum and minimum temperatures under which staff and pupils should be expected to work in schools.
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 during 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
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
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.
School safety advice
Advice on safety in schools during lockdown.
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.
Domestic Abuse Workplace Model Policy
Supporting victims and challenging the behaviour of perpetrators
Domestic abuse and the workplace - a guide
A guide for members on how to tackle domestic abuse and the workplace
Coronavirus and pregnancy
Covid-19 and pregnancy: Dos and Don’ts
Back care - awareness and prevention
This advice sets out how to spot hazards in low/“child” height working environments, and includes simple practical measures to prevent and reduce, pain, strain and injury.
Coronavirus : Northern Ireland ventilation and temperature
Our advice on ventilation in Covid-19 schools and workplaces.
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.
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: school/college risk assessment
What to look out for in your school/college risk assessment
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: 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.
Workload - a health and safety issue
NEU Guidance for Members, Reps and Local Officers on how health and safety reps can use their powers can work with members to address excessive workload.
Photographic policies
NEU Guidance for Members, Reps and Local Officers around the development and implementation of photograpic policies in schools
Health and Safety Model Policy - Checklist
The most common queries NEU members have on health and safety policy in academy trusts.
Drug and alcohol- model policy
This policy forms part of the employer’s overall commitment to safety, good employee relations and the promotion of health, safety and welfare at work.
Harassment and bullying- school model policy
This harassment and bullying model policy is comprised of two sections: a model policy statement and a model procedure for dealing with complaints of harassment and bullying.
Harassment and Bullying Model Policy - Checklist
The most common queries NEU members have on harassment and bullying in schools.
Educational visits
Educational visits can be of substantial benefit to the education and development of pupils.
Parental request for asbestos information
A model letter which can be sent by parents to the head teacher of their child’s school to request information about asbestos in the school
Photocopiers in schools
This briefing sets out advice on the safe use of photocopiers in schools.
Fire safety
This briefing sets out NEU advice on the requirements of the fire legislation covering schools and on fire safety precautions to be followed in schools. It takes account of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Key facts about the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
NEU Guidance for Members, Reps and Local Officers
Keeping happy and healthy
This guidance document is aimed at NEU members who are worried that their mental health is suffering because of the demands of their work. It will also be of use to NEU members who are considering returning to work following a spell of absence due to a mental health condition.
Safety of school minibuses
This page outlines the key legal requirements for drivers and operators of school minibuses and describes the support school staff should be given before they agree to drive a school minibus.
Falls from height
This NEU briefing provides guidance to safety representatives and members on taking action to reduce the incidence of accidents and injuries due to falls from height, including the legal requirements on employers, practical steps which can be taken and sources of further advice and information.
The role of the safety rep
Safety representatives play a vital role in promoting safety in the workplace. This briefing covers the appointment of safety reps and their rights and functions.
Safety inspections
This briefing advises safety reps on the steps to be taken in arranging and carrying out safety inspections and preparing inspection reports
Online stress survey
Guidance for local officers, reps and safety reps on surveying their members' workplace stress.
Online Safety - Protecting School Staff and Pupils
NEU Guidance for members, reps and local officers.
Managing Health and Safety
This briefing considers the management of health and safety in schools and colleges and the respective roles of the employer, governing body, head teacher and other staff of the school.
Health and Safety Legal Framework
This NEU briefing tells you about the framework of health and safety law - in particular about the legal duties placed on employees, employers and others by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and about other sources of health and safety law.
Health and Safety Advisor's Briefing - Advice on Facilities Time
This briefing examines the various means by which branches can attempt to secure adequate levels of paid time off for health and safety advisers to perform their various functions and the legal provisions which can be used to support them.
Using Health and Safety as a tool to help campaign against academies
Health and safety concerns in academies
Ensuring Effective Health and Safety in Academies
Health and Safety guidance for NEU activists
Preventing work related mental health conditions
As a school leader, it is important to ensure that your school is a great place to work, with a happy and healthy workforce and low levels of sick leave.
Protecting staff mental health
It is important to understand the extent of governing body’s responsibilities for managing health, safety and welfare of teachers and ways in which the NEU and governors can work together to safeguard the mental health of teachers.
Radon in schools
Advice on radon and preventative measures that should be taken in schools to avoid exposure.
Resisting the resilience approach to work related stress
This advice explains the ‘resilience’ approach, why it does not lead to meaningful improvements for employees and how safety reps should instead seek to tackle work related stress in their school or college.
Risk assessment
This advice gives information on the legal requirement for employers to carry out risk assessments and the extent to which teachers and school staff can be required to assist in the process.
Safety in practical lessons
This advice gives NEU guidance on the law’s requirements on assessing the safety of practical activities and on taking steps to ensure that these do not pose risks to the safety of staff or pupils.
Older teachers
This advice considers a number of health and social issues which may affect older school staff and suggests sources of further information and support.
Playground supervision
This advice sets out advice and guidance on playground supervision to allow children to play safely.
Health and safety for NQTs and student teachers
This advice contains advice about health and safety matters which both newly qualified and student teachers should be aware of when entering the profession.
Mould in schools
Mould is a health and safety issue as it can cause a variety of health problems.
Mobile phone photography
This advice focuses on the potential of mobile phone photography to lead to bullying and harassment of others within the school community.
Asbestos Management Assurance Process (England 2019) - A User's Guide
This is a guide to using the data which has been made available via the DfE Asbestos Management Assurance Process (AMAP). It aims to assist local officers in extracting information about asbestos in schools in their area, and in seeking to fill in some of the gaps.
Menopause guide and checklist for reps
The menopause is an occupational health issue for women educators, as well as being an equality issue. It is important that schools and colleges are suitable workplaces for menopausal women. The purpose of this guide and checklist for reps is to signpost you to advice, and to support you in improving workplace conditions for menopausal women.
Menopause guide and checklist for leaders
NEU leadership members are key to supporting women going through the menopause in the workplace. As a leader, you’re not alone. Collaboration between leaders, governors, workplace reps, health and safety reps and a staff support network can go a long way towards creating a supportive environment for women experiencing menopause symptoms at work.
Working through the menopause
The purpose of this guidance is to suggest practical ways in which the school and college environment can be improved for women who are going through the menopause.
Lone Working: Support Staff
NEU advice on risks of lone working and what can be done to counter them.
Violence and assaults against staff in schools
This model policy sets out how employer will seek to prevent workplace violence in its schools, and the procedures that will be followed if a violent incident occurs.
Tuberculosis in Schools
This briefing gives information about tuberculosis (TB) and steps to be taken when cases arise in schools among students or teachers.
Women’s health and safety
It is essential that health and safety in schools should be gender sensitive and appropriate.
Harassment and bullying in schools
How to deal with cases of harassment and bullying of NEU members.
Work Equipment
Employers must seek to ensure, again ‘so far as is reasonably practicable’, that non-employees are not exposed to risks to their health or safety.
Health and safety for supply teachers
Health and safety issues for supply teachers, including those employed directly by local authorities, schools and academy trusts and those employed via supply agencies.
Voice care for teachers
Advice for teachers on voice care, including spotting problems, simple preventative measures and information on how and when to seek appropriate specialist help
Tackling stress
Excessive workload and working hours are continually cited by teachers as one of the main causes of their workplace stress. This advice explains how to tackle stress at a local level in your workplace.
Violence in schools
Advice on violence issues in schools and colleges, in particular how this should be tackled by employers, and student behaviour.
Private tuition
It is common for teachers to offer private tuition to students. Before doing so, there are several important issues to consider, such as legal and insurance protection and health and safety issues.
Severe winter conditions and adverse weather
A quick guide on what to do in severe winter conditions or adverse weather.
Swimming safety in schools
Advice for teachers and school staff who teach swimming or supervise swimming, including qualifications, training and safety.
Sun safety
How schools can help protect pupils from sun exposure and advice around sunscreen.
Work and suicide
If someone is threatening imminent suicide call 999 and stay with them until the emergency services arrive.
Stress risk assessment
A stress risk assessment is a careful examination of what in a workplace could cause staff to suffer from work-related stress, so that you can weigh up whether you have done enough, or should do more to prevent harm.
Standards for school premises (Wales)
There is a vast range of legislation on health and safety matters which applies in whole, or in part, to schools in Wales. This briefing identifies those which will be most relevant and the areas which they cover.
Standards for school premises (England)
There is a vast range of legislation on health and safety matters which applies in whole, or in part, to schools. This briefing identifies those which will be most relevant and the areas which they cover.
The case for sprinklers in schools
Every year, many schools are damaged or destroyed by fires, affecting the education of thousands of pupils, and causing millions of pounds worth of damage. The impact of fires is significantly reduced by fitting sprinklers in schools.
Slips, trips and falls
How to reduce the incidence of accidents and injuries in schools due to slips, trips and falls.
Health and safety in sixth form colleges
The basic framework of health and safety law for sixth form colleges
Sickle cell and thalassaemia
Advice for school staff to support the uninterrupted education of children with sickle cell disorder and thalassaemia.
Seat belts and car restraints
Information for school staff who transport children in their own car on the law and regulations regarding child car seats and seatbelts.
Screening and searching pupils for prohibited items
Our NEU policy and advice on screening and searching pupils for prohibited items in schools in England and Wales.
School visits
Advice about health and safety on school trips, including legal rights and obligations.
School security
Advice about school security, in particular at security arrangements and methods to deal with intruders.
Mental health conditions in the education profession
Excessive workload is a key cause of mental health problems among teachers and education professionals. This advice explains what to do if you are struggling with mental health and outlines the different ways you can get support.
Meningitis in schools
Information about meningitis and what should be done when an outbreak occur in a school.
Who is responsible for health and safety?
Who is responsible for the management of health and safety in schools and colleges and the respective roles of the employer, governing body, head teacher and other staff of the school.
Lone working
As teachers and school staff often work on their own, there are some key health and safety issues that employers must consider.
Lifting and handling
Advice on the health and safety issues relating to lifting and handling that school staff face while at work
Legionnaires’ Disease in schools
The symptoms, treatments and preventative measures that should be taken in schools to avoid outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease.
Administering medicines
Advice for teachers and support staff on the administration of medicines
Acoustics in schools
Advice on classroom acoustics and reducing the risk of vocal strain on teachers
Infectious diseases in schools
General advice about how to manage cases of infectious illness in schools, including when children should be absent.
Individual pupil behaviour risk assessments
Advice on the ways in which violent or threatening pupil behaviour can successfully be tackled using standard risk management techniques.
The Health and Safety Executive and its relationship with schools
Advice on the role of the Health and Safety Executive in schools
Hygiene control in schools
Advice on the appropriate hygiene procedures for schools which will help to prevent the spread of blood-borne viruses such as HIV and hepatitis A, B and C, and conditions such as dysentery.
Hot weather and classroom temperature
Hot summers bring regular queries about the maximum temperatures under which staff and pupils should be expected to work in schools.
Hepatitis in schools
Advice on what precautions to take when a case of viral hepatitis arises in a school or where a known carrier of the disease is a pupil in the school.
Head lice in schools
How to tackle the problem of head lice in schools, including facts about head lice and head lice treatment
Cold weather and classroom temperature (England)
Advice on the heating levels in schools and classrooms in England, and how to deal with the various types of heating problems which are commonly encountered during cold weather and snow.
Cold weather and classroom temperature (Wales)
Advice on the heating levels in schools and classrooms in Wales, and how to deal with the various types of heating problems which are commonly encountered during cold weather and snow.
First aid in schools
Advice on the requirements for first aid provision in schools
Epilepsy in schools
Advice on how to deal with epilepsy and seizures in schools, including how to recognise when a pupil might be having a seizure.
Emergency procedures in schools
Advice on the procedures for dealing with emergencies in schools.
Facts about asbestos in schools
At least 86 per cent of schools contain asbestos, all of it old and much of it deteriorating. Unless your school was wholly built after 1999, it is extremely likely that it contains asbestos.
Asbestos in schools
Advice on dealing with asbestos problems in schools, including the law on asbestos removal and management in schools.
High classroom temperatures
Supporting NEU members in schools which suffer particularly badly in times of extreme heat.
Model health and safety policy for academy trusts
A model health and safety policy for academy trusts, where no such policy is in place or where the existing policy is considered to be inadequate.
School maintenance and construction work
Advice on legal requirements and good practice for construction work in schools and a stage-by-stage guide to the role of safety representatives.
Electrical safety
NEU guidance on the law and practical advice on electrical safety in schools
Standards for food safety in schools
NEU guidance on health and safety issues with safe preparation of food in schools.
Safe use of data projectors
Precautions to be taken to avoid discomfort and possible damage to the eye when using data projectors
Continence and toilet issues in schools
Guidance on issues regarding pupil incontinence, and how schools can adopt policies to help.
Flooding in Schools
Advice on responding to flood alerts in schools and dealing with the aftermath.
Dust in schools
Advice on what employers need to do to protect staff from the problems caused by wood dust and MDF dust.
Classroom ergonomics
The issues around ergonomics in classrooms and good practices for school staff.
School car parks
Frequently asked questions in relation to staff car parking on school premises. It includes information on provision of school car parks, charges for car parking, car park safety and malicious damage to cars.
Class Sizes
Guidance on maximum class and room sizes
Asthma in Schools
Guidance on what asthma is, what can trigger it, and how to support pupils at risk
Anaphylaxis in schools
A guide to what anaphylaxis is, and how to support pupils at risk
Animals in education and guidance on farm visits
Advice on the main health, safety, welfare and legal factors surrounding animals in schools.
Diabetes in schools
Information and guidance for school staff to support the uninterrupted education of children with diabetes.
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.
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: 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.
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.
Latest attendance figures for education settings
It is now abundantly clear that the effects of Omicron on the operation of schools are highly significant.
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.
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.
Government’s Plan B Measures
Government Plan B made no mention of schools, even as rising cases are leading to so much disruption of education.
We need a plan B for schools and colleges now
The NEU is calling for the Government to introduce a plan B for schools and colleges now.
Call for equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines
NEU writes to the Prime Minister supporting call for equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines.
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.
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.
Government Covid Strategy
It’s not right for the Government to put responsibility on the people but to refuse simple actions themselves.
Attendance Data - 19 October
We welcome the announcement that vaccination centres will open for 12-15 year olds over half-term, as the NEU previously called for.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Flu Vaccines
The NEU welcomes the news that there will be a mass vaccination programme against the flu including of children.
Coronavirus: school outbreaks remain high
NEU comment as latest PHE data shows school outbreaks remain high
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.
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.
Self-Isolation and Schools
The DfE "possible arrangements for testing in September" scarcely qualify as a plan at all.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Keep early years safe and funded
The National Education Union and UNISON have highlighted a series of funding and safety issues ministers must address to ensure community safety around the care and education of young children.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
New national restrictions for schools
Much of this Government guidance is welcome but more needs to be done to make schools and colleges safe.
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 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
Education Support Covid survey
Education Support survey on Covid pressures on schools
Welsh Government face coverings announcement
NEU Cymru notes face coverings announcement in schools and colleges.
Face Masks in Schools
Government revises its guidance on the wearing of face coverings in schools.
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
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.
Coronavirus: Full opening of schools in September
NEU Cymru have commented on Education Minister’s statement regarding full opening of schools in September.
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: 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.
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: 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.
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
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: 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.
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.
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.
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.
Track and Trace
Prime Minister responds to concerns on track and trace operation before the wider opening of schools during PMQs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NEU launches microsite for parents and carers
The coronavirus microsite provides advice and recommends resources to parents to support home learning.
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.
Testing of education staff
The National Education Union has called for testing of education staff to be made an urgent priority in efforts to tackle coronavirus.
Exams
We welcome this announcement from Government. Evidence shows teacher-assessed grades are reliable and valid.
Parents asked to follow Government advice
It is vitally important that parents follow Government advice and keep their children at home where possible.
Key workers
This is a very long list and could result in some schools having the majority of pupils attending. This will not achieve the goal of slowing the spread of the virus.
NEU Cymru says time to be sensible over exams
NEU Cymru statement on school closures in Wales.
Closure of Schools
We welcome the Government’s announcement that, for public health reasons, schools will now close.
NEU Cymru welcomes school closures in Wales
We welcome the Education Minister’s announcement to close schools from Friday. We are pleased that Wales is the first UK nation to take this practical and pragmatic approach.
NEU Cymru asks for closure of schools and colleges
NEU has written to the Prime Minister asking that he close all schools and colleges, and we are hoping that the this will be the same for Wales.
Ofsted suspends inspections
This announcement is as welcome as it is overdue. Schools are operating in extraordinary circumstances and must be able to focus on what is essential.
Coronavirus - school closure policy
Why aren’t schools closing if mass gatherings are to be suspended?
OFSTED should cease inspections
As COVID-19 spreads, schools need to focus on what is important.
Coronavirus school closure update
NEU calling for school closures "at least for some time and at least in some areas"
Spread of coronavirus
Schools have an important role to play, but we are concerned about suggestions in recent days that larger class sizes will be recommended for indefinite periods.
New National Air Quality Guidance
The British Lung Foundation (BLF) and the National Education Union (NEU) has produced guidance with support from Living Streets, the UK charity behind the National Walk to School campaign.