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

Assistant EHC Caseworker

North Yorkshire Council
£31,537 - £34,434
North Yorkshire Council have a national reputation for excellence, and we are looking for a SEND Assistant EHC Caseworkers. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Assistant EHC Caseworker

North Yorkshire Council
£31,537 - £34,434
North Yorkshire Council have a national reputation for excellence, and we are looking for a SEND Assistant EHC Caseworkers. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Lead for Education & Adult Social Care Transport Services

Essex County Council
£59792 - £70343 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
Interviews will be held across W/C 25th May 2026.The OpportunityThis is an exciting opportunity to lead a number of Essex County Council's (ECC) most England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Vehicle and Plant Mechanic x 3

Wakefield Council
Grade 7 - Grade 8, Career Grade, 37 hours, Permanent
An exciting opportunity exists in the Council’s Transport Services Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Visitor Experience Assistant with Catering (Casual)

Wakefield Council
£13.47 - £13.69 per hour, Grade 4, Casual
Are you passionate about making a difference to our citizens and the district that they reside in? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner