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/Principal Regeneration Officer

Fareham Borough Council
£45,465 - £55,379
Our town centre regeneration is moving from planning to delivery, and we're looking for someone who wants to help make regeneration happen. Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Digi-go Driver

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.00 per annum
Digi-go DriverPermanent, Full Time£25,959 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Team Manager - Kinship Team

Cheshire East Council
£49,658 - £56,809 per annum
If you're an experienced social care leader with a passion for family-centred practice, we'd love to hear from you. Crewe, Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

Vulnerable Pupils Locality Lead

Cheshire East Council
£40,444 - £43,149 per annum
If you're passionate about making a difference and supporting both children and colleagues to succeed, we'd love to hear from you Crewe, Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

Drive Case Manager

Cheshire East Council
£35,412 - £39,152 per annum
Make a real difference to families and individuals facing complex challenges. Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council
Linkedin Banner