Laura Sharman 04 June 2020

Schools using 'professional judgement' on reopening, union finds

Just over a third of schools (35%) opened on the terms expected by the prime minister on 1 June, a union has found.

Research by the National Education Union (NEU) found 44% of schools did not open more widely to the any of the year groups, although they had remained open to look after key worker and vulnerable children.

The union also found clear regional variation in the proportion of schools meeting the government's criteria. Schools in the North East and North West of England were least likely to have opened to all eligible groups, with these regions having amongst the highest levels of Coronavirus.

Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the NEU, said: 'It was always reckless of Boris Johnson to set an arbitrary date and expect schools to fall in line.

'Heads and their staff know far more about their individual challenges than Whitehall ever will. As the regional variation according to coronavirus levels show, schools are listening to the science rather than politicians.'

The survey also found that schools face uncertainty around staffing, with 15% of schools asking staff who are clinically vulnerable to work from 1 June.

In a statement to parliament, education minister Gavin Williamson, said: 'We continue to follow the best scientific advice and believe that this cautious, phased return is the most sensible course of action to take.

'As the prime minister has set out, the Government will continue to monitor the rate of transmission carefully and will not hesitate to reintroduce restrictions on a local or regional basis if required.

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know image

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Caretaker

Durham County Council
£24,796 (Pro Rata)
Permanent Contract – Part Time - 32 Hours per week (6am – 9.15am 3pm – 5.45pm) Mon-Fri. Whole Time. Required to start 20th October 2026.   The Governo Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 – Pre-Progression (£35,412-£39,152 per annum) / Grade 11 – Post Progression (£40,777-£45,091 per annum). Pay award pending.
We are seeking to recruit two temporary (six month) full-time (37 hours per week) Social Workers, to join our Adult Social Work Team at Derwentside Lo Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Head of Finance - Children & Young People’s Service

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
£75,585 - £80,726 (pay award pending)
This is a great place to work for people who want to make a real difference. Riverside House, Rotherham, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council

Head of Finance and Accountancy (Deputy S151 Officer)

Chesterfield Borough Council
£72,000 (inclusive of Market Supplement)
In this role, you will provide visible leadership and management across the Finance Service Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Recuriter: Chesterfield Borough Council

Director of Digital, HR & Customer Services

Chesterfield Borough Council
£97,017
Reporting directly to the Deputy Chief Executive, you will lead a diverse directorate, with responsibility for Human Resources Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Recuriter: Chesterfield Borough Council
Linkedin Banner