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.
Local authorities and MATs CEV advice
Local authorities and multi academy trusts that have agreed with the NEU’s position on CEV workers.
Greater safety in schools
Our demands: the Government must help schools to be as safe as possible
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.
NITC and NEU call for the planned closure of schools in Northern Ireland
Schools should close now in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the NEU statement.
Advice
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.
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.
Tuberculosis in Schools
This briefing gives information about tuberculosis (TB) and steps to be taken when cases arise in schools among students or teachers.
Meningitis in schools
Information about meningitis and what should be done when an outbreak occur in a school.
Legionnaires’ Disease in schools
The symptoms, treatments and preventative measures that should be taken in schools to avoid outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease.
Infectious diseases in schools
General advice about how to manage cases of infectious illness in schools, including when children should be absent.
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.
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.
Blog
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
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.
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.
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
Flu Vaccines
The NEU welcomes the news that there will be a mass vaccination programme against the flu including of children.
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
Reintroduce face coverings
Government must reintroduce face coverings to minimise Covid disruption in schools, say education unions
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
ONS School Infection Survey
NEU call that education staff should be vaccinated
Independent SAGE
This is a welcome intervention by Independent SAGE, which once again exposes the enormous blind-spot that Government has towards schools.
Latest school attendance figures
Latest attendance figures show that the Government urgently needs to look at ways of reducing transmission in schools.
NFER on Initial Teacher Training
The impact of Covid-19 on initial teacher training
IFS Annual Report on school funding
IFS reports largest cuts to England's schools funding in 40 years
PM failure to address school safety
NEU JGSs write to Government to underline urgent safety measures that must be in place to ensure education continues for all pupils.
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.
Ofqual Summer Symposium
Results from this year's extraordinary exams process are broadly comparable to previous years’ results, and the majority of students will not be disadvantaged by this year's process.
Parentkind survey
Survey shows parents are placing far greater trust in school leaders than Government.
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.
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: Welsh Government guidance on schools' wider opening
NEU Cymru welcomes Welsh Government guidance on schools' wider opening.
Coronavirus: Official Statistics on Wider Opening
The figures released show what a very long way the Government has to go to convince the nation’s parents and teachers that a wider opening of schools is safe.
Coronavirus: Primary Schools
The government’s social distancing rules made it impossible for primary schools to admit all pupils before the summer holidays. Primary schools and secondary schools will not re-open to all pupils until September at the earliest.
Fenton Review into Covid-19
The NEU calls on the Government and Public Health England to develop urgent advice on the issues of greater health risk identified in the Fenton Review.
NEU 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.
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.
Independent SAGE on schools
Independent SAGE set two crucial conditions for the safe wider opening of schools: low levels of Coronavirus in the community, and a robust track and trace system.
Track and Trace
Prime Minister responds to concerns on track and trace operation before the wider opening of schools during PMQs.
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.
Parents’ views on lockdown and school safety
Poll of over 1,000 parents, commissioned for NEU, shows support for lockdown measures since March.
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.
Letter to Gavin Williamson on behalf of supply members
NEU joint general secretaries have written to the education secretary Gavin Williamson about issues affecting supply staff during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Children at Risk During Lockdown
We welcome the data the Office of the Children’s Commissioner (OCC) has collated to enable good local responses to supporting vulnerable children.
Ofqual plan for Vocational and Technical Qualifications
The NEU welcomes Ofqual’s announcement today on the regulatory arrangements for awarding this summer’s Vocational and Technical Qualifications (VTQs).
Testing for teachers and school staff
NEU welcomes Government's announcement that practical steps will be taken to test school staff for Covid-19. It is essential that staff who are self-isolating at home get immediate access to the test.
Changes to Free School Meals guidance
NEU Cymru welcomes the Welsh Government’s revised guidance today. Our members will be heartened to see that the Welsh Government is thinking about those children most in need of support.
Press release - Remote learning
Some pupils will need much more individual support than is possible, and many will need support for their wellbeing before any meaningful learning can take place.
Minister focuses on wellbeing in latest statement
We're pleased the Education Minister has focused on wellbeing in launching this policy statement. Like the Minister says, the wellbeing and safety of learners and education professionals alike is centrally important at this difficult time.
Over 80,000 sign NEU petition
Over 80,000 have signed the NEU petition to "open schools when it is safe" and the number continues to grow.
Extra money for mental health services
Extra £1.25 million for school counselling services will be invaluable to support the anticipated increase in need for mental health services as a result of social distancing and school shut down measures.
Letter to PM on school opening
In the light of speculation on the re-opening of schools and colleges, the joint General Secretaries of the National Education Union have called on the Prime minister for clarity on how the Government will make such a decision.
Ofqual: Vocational and Technical Qualifications
One form of assessment will not fit all, and more detail is required.
Guidance on social distancing at work
NEU Cymru welcomes the Welsh Government plans to ensure social distancing in the workplace. These are challenging times, and it is right that we try and keep those in work as safe as possible.
School closure policies
The UCL review indicates that school closures are effective as part of a combination of tactics. Schools can only open safely on the basis of sound scientific reasoning. We are a long way from this point.
NEU launches microsite for parents and carers
The coronavirus microsite provides advice and recommends resources to parents to support home learning.
Free School Meals available over the Easter Holidays
We are pleased to see that Government has listened to the NEU and others who have asked for FSM to be available throughout the holidays.
Home schooling and the educational divide
The Social Mobility Foundation highlights inequalities in families' home learning environments.
Summer 2020 grades for GCSE, AS and A level
We are pleased that the Department for Education and Ofqual both recognise the professionalism of teachers. Exams are not the only way to assess someone’s ability.
Coronavirus: Joint covid-19 advice Wales
Today four education unions, NEU, ASCL, NAHT and UCAC have issued joint coronavirus advice to their members calling for mutual respect, understanding and support.
Coronavirus crisis - joint union advice on COVID-19
The Covid-19 crisis means that school leaders, teachers and support staff are working in new situations and new ways in order to meet the challenges they face every day.
Action for supply teachers
Supply teachers, agency teaching assistants and others working in the education sector must have proper financial stability, on a genuine like-for-like with their directly-employed counterparts.
NEU Cymru comments on schools staying open
We’re glad that the Welsh Government plan to work with us as a union. We’ve been putting forward our members’ concerns and will continue to do so.
Coronavirus: Keeping staff and young people safe in schools and colleges
We know many of our members will be worried, so need strong and clear advice to schools, to back up the head teachers, who are having to choose which young people can be in schools.
Safety in schools during coronavirus outbreak
Our priority as a union is to our members and the children and young people they work with. We are concerned that Government advice for schools is not currently strong enough.
Coronavirus: School attendance
Schools should only remain open to those whose parents are key workers. The vast majority of children should stay at home. This is the safest place for them.
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.
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.
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.
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.