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.

Devolution and putting place first image

Devolution and putting place first

The real lesson of Andy Burnham's Makerfield success, argues Dr Jonathan Carr-West, is that place – not personality – is the key to Britain's future.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Trees and Landscape Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£37602 - £45564
Job Title Trees and Landscape ... London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Mental Health Co-ordinator, Kinship, post-order support team

Essex County Council
£24102.00 - £28994.00 per annum
Mental Health Co-ordinator, Kinship, post-order support teamPermanent, Part Time, 18.5 Hours Per Week£24,102 to £28,994 Per Annum Pro-RataLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

ICT Business Support & Development Officer

Essex County Council
£31284.00 - £35721.00 per annum
Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Braintree Council to recruit an ICT Business Support & Development Officer on a full-time b England, Essex, Braintree
Recuriter: Essex County Council

ICT Project Officer - Braintree District Council

Essex County Council
£31284.0000 - £35721.0000 per annum
Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Braintree Council to recruit an ICT Project Manager on a full-time basis.Please click here England, Essex, Braintree
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Corporate Director - Planning

Dorset Council
£97,966 - £126,181
Do you share our ambition for Dorset? Dorset
Recuriter: Dorset Council
Linkedin Banner