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

School Crossing Patrol Officer

Essex County Council
Up to £13.4600 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer Chelmsford, Essex Part-Time, Temporary 7.5 hours per week, term-time only Up to 6 Months £13.46 PAYE / £17.24 Umbrella England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Deputy Team Manager - Older Adults Mental Health

Essex County Council
£48205 - £57988 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
Interviews will be held in person at Rowan House, Colchester on 6th May 2026.The TeamWe are a committed team working with adults aged 65 years plus a England, Essex, Colchester
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Adults Social Worker - Learning Disability & Autism

Essex County Council
£38487 - £51834 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
This is a 12 month fixed term contract or secondment opportunity.We're an adult social care service that wants to see citizens of Essex have as much England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Caseworker (Pharmacy Liasion)

Middlesbrough Council
£31,022 - £32,597
We have an exciting role on offer within our Public Health service as a Caseworker (Pharmacy Liason). Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Carers and Co-production Practice Development Lead

Middlesbrough Council
£41,771 - £44,075
We have an exciting role on offer within our Quality and Practice team as a Carers and Co-production Practice Development Lead. Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council
Linkedin Banner