
NEU Cymru manifesto
If Covid-19 has taught us anything, it is the importance of education in supporting our children, young people and their families and communities here in Wales.
If Covid-19 has taught us anything, it is the importance of education in supporting our children, young people and their families and communities here in Wales.
NEU Cymru Education Recovery Plan – February 2021
We welcome that the Welsh Government has chosen to focus resources on young people.
National Education Union guidance on the health and safety aspects of schools opening more widely.
Advice for NEU members in Wales during the coronavirus crisis.
Exams have been cancelled - what happens now?
Read and download all issues of Educate in Wales magazine.
NEU Cymru says a collective bargaining process is a better and less cumbersome approach to determine teachers’ pay in Wales.
David Evans, Wales Secretary for the National Education Union Cymru, commenting on the departure of the Chief Executive of WJEC, said:
Since devolution, education has been underfunded in Wales. The NEU is calling for urgent action.
Information, advice and resources for NEU Cymru members.
Cyhoeddwyd y cyngor hwn gan yr undebau ar y cyd (GMB, NEU Cymru, UNSAIN ac UNITE) i'w ddefnyddio mewn ysgolion a lleoliadau eraill am dymor cyntaf blwyddyn academaidd 2021-22 o leiaf.
Rhestr wirio Gweithle
A workplace checklist for members in schools and colleages
Cyngor i staff sy'n agored i niwed yn feddygol - boed hynny'n glinigol eithriadol o agored i niwed (CEV) neu'n glinigol agored i niwed (CV) - a grwpiau risg uwch
Advice for staff who are medically vulnerable - whether clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) or clinically vulnerable (CV) - and higher risk groups
Guidance on classroom observation protocol in 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.
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.
School teacher checklist for Wales to be used alongside the National Education Union model policy to help you negotiate a policy acceptable to the NEU.
Kirsty Williams, Education Minister Wales thanks the school community for helping the country in a time of national need.
Kirsty Williams, Minister for Education, Welsh Government cites plans to support teachers to deliver the new Curriculum for Wales.
Around one fifth of children in Wales lives in poverty, the highest percentage of children in the UK.
82.9% of NEU Cymru members surveyed are concerned about the change in the pattern of the school year.
Extra INSET days to support the new curriculum were hard fought for by the unions, to support the workforce to plan for their learners.
NEU strike days this week at Howell’s School to go ahead.
In one week from now, on 10 February, teacher members of the NEU at Howells School will go on strike to defend their pensions.
NEU Cymru welcomes Minister’s announcement on mitigations in schools.
The Estyn report on peer-on-peer harassment in schools in Wales shows us there is a need to support young people to make safe and healthy choices.
NEU Cymru notes additional planning days at the start of term
NEU strike ballot to go ahead in Girl's Day School Trust's Howell's School
Creative arts education should also be open to everyone, and creative activities may help our more disadvantaged learners to access the curriculum.
Extra money for mental health support for the education workforce should mean that schools are able to identify and support staff with their wellbeing.
We hope this policy will increase take up of free school meals
NEU Cymru welcomes investment in ventilation.
NEU Cymru broadly welcomes Plaid/Labour Co-operation Agreement
NEU Cymru looking to work with the Welsh Government to make sure learners and staff are kept as safe as possible.
NEU Cymru welcomes the focus on wellbeing in the Estyn Annual Report
NEU Cymru welcomes Qualifications Wales “national conversation”.
The pandemic has meant that schools have not been focusing on moving towards to the new Curriculum 2022.
Welsh Government needs to put a Plan B in place and make funds available now, so education settings can start planning for next year.
NEU Cymru, Unite, and GMB have today launched a mental health and wellbeing survey which is open to anyone who works within the education sector in Wales.
Implementation of the new curriculum will not be mandatory for secondary schools in Wales until September 2023
Welsh students can take comfort in receiving a grade based on the merits of their own work this year.
Education Minister announces support for NQTs and focus on education recovery
Welsh Ministers have decided to go ahead with offering to vaccinate children.
We are disappointed to read that Jeremy Miles is minded to accept the recommendation of a pay award for teachers across the board of only 1.75% with effect from 1 September 2021.
NEU Cymru calls on the next Welsh Government to fully fund the new Curriculum and ALN reform.
99% of NEU Cymru members say more funding for education would help young people learn
During the pandemic, our supply members have been extremely disappointed by the behaviour of some of the supply agencies, who have refused to Furlough supply staff.
We must be mindful that everyone will be apprehensive about a potential rise in the virus levels if we open up too quickly, so a phased approach is welcome, as a safe return is essential.
We are always concerned that exams do not fully reflect the potential of young people in the system, and are especially pleased that there are no plans to use an unfair algorithm this year.
NEU Cymru welcomes proposed closure of schools and colleges until February
NEU Cymru welcomes extra money for disadvantaged learners
Organisations join forces to call for more support for families on universal credit
NEU Cymru welcomes move to on-line learning
NEU Cymru comments on the return to education
NEU Cymru secondary members will be heartened to hear secondary schools are moving to a distance learning model in the last week of term. Our members in primary schools will still be concerned.
NEU Cymru are today are launching an interactive Covid Map for schools in Wales.
NEU Cymru welcome that Estyn’s Annual Report provides acknowledgement of what a challenging year this has been for everyone in education in Wales.
We can see now that the virus is spreading in schools. We have more and more information all the time, and our priority must be keeping both learners and staff as safe as possible.
As schools and colleges reopen after half term, health and safety remains the top priority.
NEU Cymru notes face coverings announcement in schools and colleges.
Schools and colleges stepped up in challenging circumstances when exams were cancelled. They have worked tirelessly and professionally to submit grades for their students, based on all the evidence available to them.
NEU Cymru hugely welcomes this decision from the Education Minister.
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.
NEU Cymru comment on Education Minister's announcement on last minute changes to A level grades
NEU Cymru are extremely pleased to see that Welsh Government will be using extra money to support local authorities and local bus operators, including extra money for school and college transport.
NEU Cymru's evidence to the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body (IWPRB) asked for a 7% pay award for all teachers, and sadly this does not fully do that. We will continue to argue for this.
NEU Cymru welcomes the Education Minister’s commitment in providing much needed additional funding for universities, colleges and students in response to the economic impact of the coronavirus.
NEU Cymru have commented on Education Minister’s statement regarding full opening of schools 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.
Our members have always welcomed the principles behind the new Curriculum. It is an opportunity for Wales to ensure that children have an opportunity to learn a curriculum with wellbeing at its heart.
NEU Cymru welcomes suspension of the categorisation system. It is important that safety is a focus ahead of September.
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.
NEU Cymru have written to the Minister for Education, Welsh Government to express deep concerns about the injustices and racial disparities that have been highlighted by the virus and by the horrific events of brutality against black people in the United States.
NEU Cymru clarifies issues surrounding wider opening of schools.
NEU Cymru welcomes Welsh Government guidance on schools' wider opening.
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 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 Cymru welcomes the announcement that schools will NOT open more widely on 1 June.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Free school meals over the Easter period is going to be useful for those families. We know that Welsh Government has put extra money into this, and it is welcome.
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.
It is vitally important that parents follow Government advice and keep their children at home where possible.
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 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.
Scotland and Wales have shown England the way. It is unacceptable for Ofsted inspections to be taking place at a time of national emergency.
The strike action is paused and next steps depend on the nature of discussions.
National Education Union Cymru welcomes the£23m extra money for Further Education (FE) in Wales.
National Education Union Cymru and NASUWT members to take strike action on Wednesday 12 February.
NEU Cymru welcome more details on the new Curriculum.
Our members do not believe it is right for any child to miss out on these important areas of learning, and support the Minister's plan to discontinue the parental right to withdraw their children from RE and RSE.
NEU Cymru believes the election provides a chance for real change
Pisa offers some bench marking against other countries but it is only one measure of performance.
The new Curriculum is a huge step change for education here in Wales, but more detail is clearly needed on the Progression Steps and assessment arrangements.
Creativity is at the heart of the plans for the new Curriculum, so members’ concerns about music in schools needs to be taken seriously.
Years of underfunding have seen the post 16 sector in Wales suffer from restructuring. It is sad to hear members’ experiences which suggest they are not valued.”
Wales’s largest education union has concerns over the continued and growing use of teaching assistants, including Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) and cover supervisors being used to teach classes both on a long- and short-term basis.
The National Education Union Cymru also feels that there can be no real progress in reducing teacher workload until the high level of teacher accountability is dropped.
The cutting back of teaching assistants and teachers in many schools have exacerbated workload issues which has led to a marked increase in stress and mental health issues in teachers.
The National Education Union Cymru is also concerned that Welsh MPs, and the Secretary of State for Wales in particular, don’t see it as their job to approach Westminster to ask for more money for Education in Wales.
The level of violence and abusive behaviour against our members is an issue. Aggressive behaviour, including physical attacks and verbal abuse towards school staff and leaders occur across Wales and the causes of this needs to be addressed.
Wales’s largest education union believes that there is not enough evidence of Regional Consortia having a positive impact on schools in terms of improving standards for pupils.
Wales’ largest education union has called on the office of the Secretary of State for Wales to publish proposals for rectifying the harm that has been inflicted upon Wales, its public services and education in particular as a result of the Conservatives’ austerity programme.
Wales’s largest education union has called on the Welsh Government to support the rights of every child to a fully funded and equal education.
The National Education Union Cymru will launch the ‘Making News Toolkit for Schools’ online resource to its members at their Annual Conference in Newport on 9 November.
National Education Union Cymru welcomes the review into cost of schooling
NEU Cymru welcomes announcement on teachers' pay
NEU Cymru congratulates students in Wales for today’s GCSE and Welsh Baccalaureate results.
NEU Cymru congratulates pupils in Wales on their achievements in A and AS level today.
David Evans, Wales Secretary of the National Education Union Cymru has commented on the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body First Report 2019 and the proposals from Minister for Education Kirsty Williams published today.
NEU Cymru welcomes an extra INSET day for the next three years, planned for the summer term, announced by the Education Minister today.
Speaking about the sudden closure of Godre'r Graig School, following risk of landslides last week, David Evans, Wales Secretary of the National Education Union, who represents many members in the school, said:
Wales’s largest education union has responded to the National Assembly’s Children, Young People and Education Committee Report into School funding in Wales.
Speaking ahead of the Education Minister's statement on Adult Learners' Week, David Evans, Wales secretary NEU Cymru, said: "We need to value our adult learners and make sure the FE and adult learning sectors are properly planned for and funded."
Welcoming the Education Minister's statement today, David Evans, Wales secretary NEU Cymru said: "Workload is an extremely important issue to education professionals here in Wales and it is welcome that the Minister has committed to looking at this."
Reacting to the debate on "Tackling Poverty" in the Assembly yesterday, David Evans, Wales secretary NEU Cymru said: "NEU Cymru members are clear - tackling poverty is a critical issue for education professionals in Wales, and key to improving schools and colleges for learners"
David Evans, secretary NEU Cymru comments on today’s decision by First Minister Mark Drakeford to scrap plans to build the £1.4bn M4 relief road around Newport, Wales.
School Cuts Cymru are today, 27th May, launching their campaign at the Urdd National Eisteddfod in Cardiff Bay.
Commenting on Child Poverty figures released today, David Evans, Wales Secretary for the National Education Union said: "Rates of poverty in Wales have risen when compared to other parts of the UK is shocking - but it is not a shock."
Commenting on Conservative plans to scrap the Welsh Bacc, David Evans, Wales Secretary for National Education Union Cymru, said: "We are broadly supportive of the Welsh Bacc, but believe it has had some problems which mean it has less value than originally intended."
A recent Freedom of Information Request to local authorities by NEU Cymru has shown that almost £114 million has been spent on staff from private supply teacher agencies in the three academic years to August 2018.
Speaking ahead of the Plaid Cymru debate on workers’ rights, NEU Cymru’s Wales Secretary David Evans said: “We would welcome a 'collective bargaining' approach to School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions negotiations here in Wales.
Commenting on the passing of Motion 18 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “We are entering unchartered waters in Wales following the devolution of pay and conditions for school teachers in September 2018.
David Evans, NEU Cymru Secretary welcomes the Education Minister and the Welsh Government pension funding.
Responding to a Welsh Government statement on a report by Professor Mick Waters, Teaching: A valued profession, David Evans, Wales Secretary for the NEU Cymru said:
David Evans, Wales Secretary of the National Education Union Cymru expresses concern about increased Estyn Inspections.
National Education Union Cymru, notes Education Minister Kirsty Williams' commitment to lifelong learning, during Education Minister's Questions today.
David Evans, Wales Secretary of the National Education Union Cymru, welcomes Education Minister's reiteration that wellbeing of staff is as important as wellbeing of learners, during Education Minister's questions today.
David Evans, Secretary of NEU Cymru Wales, notes that this year's results of the Categorisation system in Wales show that schools in Wales remain 'stable', in terms of their "improvement" category.
David Evans, Secretary of NEU Cymru Wales welcomes the consultation on the new Curriculum "Our National Mission: A Transformational Curriculum".
Pay and conditions for supply teachers is an emotive issue for our members. New Framework Agreement is welcomed but a return to direct employment of supply teachers is needed.