Coronavirus update & members zoom meeting

First of all I would like to encourage you to register for our online members meeting on Friday at 4pm – with over 300 registrations already it is going to be our biggest meeting ever.

 REGISTER HERE 

The government plans to begin reopening primary schools on June 1st have been sharply criticised by all education unions, including the NAHT who represent the majority of primary headteachers.

A joint union statement was issued yesterday which called on the government to, “step back from the 1st June and work with us to create the conditions for a safe return to schools based on the principles and tests we have set out” – read the statement here.

NEU negotiations with Tower Hamlets Head Teachers
Yesterday we wrote to Tower Hamlets headteachers outlining the NEU position that no detailed planning should take place on the basis of reopening on June 1st and this has been well received – read the letter here.

We think it is best to refrain from detailed discussions at this stage.

However, where discussions are taking place, our advice is that it should be on the understanding that schools are not committed to reopening on June 1st as it is not safe and that we will issue further advice nearer the time.

A lot will happen over the next few days and the NEU will be updating our advice and guidance in response to the changing situation.

At all times we will have the safety and well being of staff, children, and their families, at the centre of our thinking.

Over 5,000 teachers and support staff have joined the NEU since Sunday, which is a clear sign that school staff support the approach we are taking.

Please do discuss the situation with colleagues in your school and look out for further updates – and do join our mass meeting on Friday at 4pm.

IN THE NEWS
‘Not safe to reopen schools,’ warn teacher unions

heads say June 1st reopening unfeasible

DfE scientific adviser says he has not assessed the guidance on reopening schools