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.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Combatting Drugs Partnership Coordinator

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£46,206 - £ 55,992
Combatting Drugs Partnership Coordinato... Twickenham, Greater London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Data Architect

Essex County Council
£62461.0000 - £73483.0000 per annum
Data ArchitectPermanent, Full Time£62,461 to £73,483 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Care Officer

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band E, SCP 18-25 (£31,537 – £36,363 per annum)
Make a Real Difference Every Day! Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Housing Hub Officer

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band D, SCP 9 -17 (£27,254 - £31,022) per annum
Have you got a passion for giving excellent customer service? Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Substance Use Practice Advisor

Durham County Council
Grade 11 - £40,777 - £45,091
Are you a practitioner with experience of working with families affected by drug and/or alcohol use, delivering substance misuse interventions, and of Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner