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.

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know image

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Building Compliance & Reactive Works Manager

East Devon District Council
£36,363 - £42,839
We have an exciting opportunity for a Building Compliance & Reactive Works Manager to join our Buildings and Facilities Management Team. Devon
Recuriter: East Devon District Council

Programme Director – Local Government Reorganisation

Staffordshire County Council
£Competitive
Lead one of the most significant local government transformation programmes in England! Staffordshire / Stoke on Trent
Recuriter: Staffordshire County Council

Executive Director – Place and Prosperity

South Derbyshire District Council
£106,484 up to £115,687 plus an essential car user allowance is also paid.
We are seeking an exceptional Executive Director to help shape the future of South Derbyshire at a pivotal moment in its history. Swadlincote, Derbyshire / Agile
Recuriter: South Derbyshire District Council

Music Centre Instructor

North Yorkshire Council
£22,601 to £35,259
Skipton Music Centre is a lively Saturday morning centre, providing musical learning for children and adults across a range of instruments and genres. Skipton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Wellbeing and Personal Development Lead

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 to £42,839 per annum
Help Transform Lives Through Wellbeing, Personal Development and Inclusion North Yorkshire / countywide
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner