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

Senior Support Worker - DBIT West

Essex County Council
£26284.0000 - £33256.0000 per annum
Senior Support Worker - DBIT WestPermanent, Full Time£26,284 to £33,256 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Team Leader LGV Driver

Wakefield Council
G6 SCP 12 £28,598 - SCP 18 £31,537
Are you passionate about making a different to our citizens and the district that they reside in? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Strategy and Performance Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£31,537 - £34,434
We’re looking to recruit a Strategy and Performance Assistant to strengthen our Corporate Strategy and Performance team. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Pest Control Officer

North Yorkshire Council
£31,537 - £34,434 per annum
We are looking for a dedicated and professional Pest Control Officer to join our Commercial Pest Control Team Malton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Lawyer

Durham County Council
£47,181 to £51,356 p.a. (Grade 13)
Are you looking to progress your legal career in child protection work? If so, we are seeking a Lawyer to join our Children’s Social Care Team within Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner