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

Independent Travel Trainer

Oxfordshire County Council
£41,771 - £45,091
About Us At Oxfordshire County Council (OCC), our Supported Travel Service plays a vital role in keeping communities across the county connected, independent and involved. Every day, a dedicated team of around 200 staff members supports the journeys and t Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Contract & Compliance Manager

Oxfordshire County Council
£63,576 - £67,003
About Us At Oxfordshire County Council (OCC), our Supported Travel Service plays a vital role in keeping communities across the county connected, independent and involved. Every day, a dedicated team of around 200 staff members supports the journeys and t Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Procurement Manager

West Northamptonshire Council
£49587 - £52860
At West Northamptonshire Council, we are currently looking for two experienced procurement professionals to join and support both our People and Resources and Place and Capital Business Partner teams. As procurement managers you will play a central role Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Technical Assistant - Place Services

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Technical Assistant - Place ServicesPermanent, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Project Manager (Major Projects)

Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council
£49,282 - £52,413
Are you a Senior Project Manager with significant experience in delivering highway and infrastructure projects? Calderdale, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner