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.
Wales Education Recovery Plan
NEU Cymru Education Recovery Plan – February 2021
NEU Cymru welcomes planned investment in young people
We welcome that the Welsh Government has chosen to focus resources on young people.
Wales - planning guide for special schools
The guide sets out that special school leaders should work closely with unions, staff and parents when developing their plans.
Wales - health and safety guidance on opening schools
National Education Union guidance on the health and safety aspects of schools opening more widely.
Coronavirus : Advice for members in Wales
Advice for NEU members in Wales during the coronavirus crisis.
Coronavirus: what you need to know - exams (Wales)
Exams have been cancelled - what happens now?
Educate in Wales
Read and download all issues of Educate in Wales magazine.
Collective bargaining model to determine teachers’ pay
NEU Cymru says a collective bargaining process is a better and less cumbersome approach to determine teachers’ pay in Wales.
NEU Cymru concerned to hear WJEC Chief Executive is leaving
David Evans, Wales Secretary for the National Education Union Cymru, commenting on the departure of the Chief Executive of WJEC, said:
Wales needs fair funding: you get out what you put in
Since devolution, education has been underfunded in Wales. The NEU is calling for urgent action.
NEU Cymru
Information, advice and resources for NEU Cymru members.
Advice
Coronavirus: advice and guidance on exam cancellation (Wales)
Ten points on exam cancellation for GCSEs, AS-levels, A-levels and the Skills Challenge Certificate
Classroom observation protocol in Wales
Guidance on classroom observation protocol in Wales
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.
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.
Blog
Coronavirus: Schools are providing a vital service during this time
Kirsty Williams, Education Minister Wales thanks the school community for helping the country in a time of national need.
Coronavirus: Supporting teachers in our national mission towards a new Curriculum for Wales
Kirsty Williams, Minister for Education, Welsh Government cites plans to support teachers to deliver the new Curriculum for Wales.
Wales needs to end child poverty
Around one fifth of children in Wales lives in poverty, the highest percentage of children in the UK.
Press release
NEU Cymru members say more funding for education
99% of NEU Cymru members say more funding for education would help young people learn
NEU Cymru welcomes report on "Fair Deal for supply teachers"
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.
NEU Cymru notes plans to open schools for early years
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.
NEU Cymru welcomes changes to awarding grades
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.
Wales school closure
NEU Cymru welcomes proposed closure of schools and colleges until February
Wales money for disadvantaged learners
NEU Cymru welcomes extra money for disadvantaged learners
Wales families on UC
Organisations join forces to call for more support for families on universal credit
Wales move to on-line learning
NEU Cymru welcomes move to on-line learning
Wales return to education
NEU Cymru comments on the return to education
NEU Cymru welcomes ‘distance learning’ week in secondary schools and colleges
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.
COVID Map - Welsh Schools Update
NEU Cymru are today are launching an interactive Covid Map for schools in Wales.
NEU Cymru comment on Estyn Annual Report
NEU Cymru welcome that Estyn’s Annual Report provides acknowledgement of what a challenging year this has been for everyone in education in Wales.
NEU Cymru welcomes face coverings ‘should’ be worn in school communal areas
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.
Wales exams
Clear decisions of Welsh Government on 2021 exams shows England lagging behind.
NEU Cymru welcomes Education Minister’s exam announcement
It is critical that we don’t have a repeat of what happened this summer, which was exceptionally difficult for those who should have been taking exams.
NEU Cymru comments on the end of the half-term break
As schools and colleges reopen after half term, health and safety remains the top priority.
Welsh Government face coverings announcement
NEU Cymru notes face coverings announcement in schools and colleges.
NEU Cymru launches petition calling for exam fairness in 2021
NEU Cymru has today (20th August) launched a petition with the Welsh Parliament, asking for fairness for students taking exams in 2021.
NEU Cymru comments on GCSE Results
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 welcomes use of assessed grades in Wales
NEU Cymru hugely welcomes this decision from the Education Minister.
A level grades in Wales
NEU Cymru wishes many congratulations to those who have secured expected grades and we trust that the adjustment and appeals processes will be robust enough to deal with all anomalies that may have arisen.
Announcement on last minute changes to A level grades
NEU Cymru comment on Education Minister's announcement on last minute changes to A level grades
Coronavirus: extra £10 million for local transport
NEU Cymru are extremely pleased to see that Welsh Government will be using extra money to support local authorities and local bus operators, including extra money for school and college transport.
Proposed teachers' pay award
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.
Coronavirus: Extra £50 million for universities, colleges, and students
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.
Coronavirus: Full opening of schools in September
NEU Cymru have commented on Education Minister’s statement regarding full opening of schools in September.
Coronavirus: Investment in education
NEU Cymru welcomes an increase to the workforce. We believe that supply staff and those new to the profession will welcome the opportunity to provide extra support for those pupils who need it at this challenging time.
Legislation to support the new Curriculum in Wales
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.
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: Summer holidays letter
NEU Cymru have written to the Minister for Education, Welsh Government calling for local authorities to be funded to make a summer holiday local offer available to children and young people.
Curriculum and anti-racism letter
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.
Coronavirus: Issues surrounding wider opening of schools
NEU Cymru clarifies issues surrounding wider opening of schools.
Coronavirus: Welsh Government guidance on schools' wider opening
NEU Cymru welcomes Welsh Government guidance on schools' wider opening.
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.
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.
Coronavirus: Schools will not open more widely in Wales
NEU Cymru welcomes the announcement that schools will NOT open more widely on 1 June.
Coronavirus: Safety is top priority in opening schools
For our members, parents and learners themselves, staying safe at this difficult time is critical. We look forward to hearing more details from the Welsh Government in the coming weeks.
Coronavirus: Education Minister sets out five key principles for schools’ return
NEU Cymru has welcomed the announcement by the Education Minister, setting out the conditions under which schools in Wales will reopen. The union agrees that the safety of staff and students alike is paramount.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Coronavirus: Joint covid-19 advice Wales
Today four education unions, NEU, ASCL, NAHT and UCAC have issued joint coronavirus advice to their members calling for mutual respect, understanding and support.
Coronavirus crisis - Joint union advice on COVID-19 Wales
During this time of crisis school leaders, teachers and support staff are doing essential work – caring for the children of key workers and vulnerable children in Wales.
Funding for free school meals over Easter holidays
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.
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.
NEU Cymru welcomes sensible approach on exams
We expect the Welsh Government and Qualifications Wales to work with the profession, to fine-tune the detail of this approach.
Parents asked to follow Government advice
It is vitally important that parents follow Government advice and keep their children at home where possible.
NEU Cymru says time to be sensible over exams
NEU Cymru statement on school closures in Wales.
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.
Estyn Suspends Activities in 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.
NEU Cymru members pause Caerleon Comprehensive strike action
The strike action is paused and next steps depend on the nature of discussions.
NEU Cymru welcomes extra funding for FE
National Education Union Cymru welcomes the£23m extra money for Further Education (FE) in Wales.
Teachers strike calls for Newport change of heart
National Education Union Cymru and NASUWT members to take strike action on Wednesday 12 February.
New Curriculum in Wales
NEU Cymru welcome more details on the new Curriculum.
NEU Cymru on Minister’s RE and RSE plans.
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.
Vote Education, Value Education
NEU Cymru believes the election provides a chance for real change
Wales PISA results
Pisa offers some bench marking against other countries but it is only one measure of performance.
New Wales Curriculum
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.
Welsh schools need a national plan for Music
Creativity is at the heart of the plans for the new Curriculum, so members’ concerns about music in schools needs to be taken seriously.
Post 16 colleges funding in Wales
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.”
Use of unqualified staff
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.
Greater action needed on teacher workload
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.
Staff wellbeing must be a priority
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.
School funding in Wales
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.
Violence and threats of violence towards education employees
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.
Regional consortia positive impact on schools
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.
Impact of austerity on schools
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.
Most vulnerable youngsters at serious risk due to austerity
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.
Making news toolkit for schools
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.
Review into cost of schooling
National Education Union Cymru welcomes the review into cost of schooling
NEU Cymru- Teachers' pay
NEU Cymru welcomes announcement on teachers' pay
NEU Cymru- GCSE results 2019
NEU Cymru congratulates students in Wales for today’s GCSE and Welsh Baccalaureate results.
Today’s A Level results - A positive news story for Wales
NEU Cymru congratulates pupils in Wales on their achievements in A and AS level today.
NEU Cymru reacts to IWPRP first report
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 extra INSET days
NEU Cymru welcomes an extra INSET day for the next three years, planned for the summer term, announced by the Education Minister today.
More information needed on Godre’r Graig closure
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:
NEU Cymru welcomes the CYPE’s report on school funding in Wales
Wales’s largest education union has responded to the National Assembly’s Children, Young People and Education Committee Report into School funding in Wales.
NEU Cymru call for ‘vision’ during Adult Learners’ week
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."
NEU Cymru welcome plans to tackle workload and new education workforce survey
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."
Tackling child poverty is key for success in education
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"
Opportunity to provide much needed funds to schools
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.
942 schools in Wales have seen cuts to funding since 2015
School Cuts Cymru are today, 27th May, launching their campaign at the Urdd National Eisteddfod in Cardiff Bay.
NEU Cymru comment on child poverty figures released today
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."
New Curriculum, time to review Welsh Bacc?
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."
NEU Cymru figures show tax-payers money funds private supply teacher agencies
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.
NEU Cymru would welcome collective bargaining as workers’ rights
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.
Devolution of pay and conditions to 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.
NEU Cymru pension funding
David Evans, NEU Cymru Secretary welcomes the Education Minister and the Welsh Government pension funding.
NEU Cymru warns that securing pay parity for teachers in Wales is a fundamental principle
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:
Concern about increased Estyn Inspections
David Evans, Wales Secretary of the National Education Union Cymru expresses concern about increased Estyn Inspections.
Access to lifelong learning important for Wales
National Education Union Cymru, notes Education Minister Kirsty Williams' commitment to lifelong learning, during Education Minister's Questions today.
Wellbeing of education professionals important
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.
Categorisation in Wales remains stable - time to call time on the regional consortia?
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.
A Transformational Curriculum consultation welcome
David Evans, Secretary of NEU Cymru Wales welcomes the consultation on the new Curriculum "Our National Mission: A Transformational Curriculum".
Policy
New Framework Agreement for supply teachers
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.