Union warns classrooms will become ‘centres of transmission’ if children forced to return too soon

Teaching unions look set once again to clash with the government over plans to reopen schools next month, with one union chief today raising fears that classrooms could become ‘centres of transmission’ for Covid-19. Paul Whiteman, head of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), said the government must lay out the level of risk … Read more

Head teachers’ union tells members to get back in the classroom

Britain’s head teachers’ union has backed plans for schools to reopen on June 1 following meetings with key government advisers. The Association of School and College Leaders claim teachers were no more at risk than any other profession heading back to work as coronavirus lockdown restrictions ease. Early-years union The National Association of Head Teachers said … Read more

DAVID BLUNKETT: Fine words about social justice cut no ice when unions try to block schools opening

The wartime President of the United States, Franklin D Roosevelt, once proclaimed that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.  And at this critical moment, nothing could be more true – not least when it comes to the inflammatory debate about whether or not some primary-aged children should return to the classroom … Read more

Special ‘catch-up summer camps’ could be set up in the school holidays

Special ‘catch-up summer camps’ could be set up in the school holidays as Education Secretary Gavin Williamson hints at other ‘initiatives’ Pupils could be sent on special ‘summer camps’  to receive missed tuition Education Secretary hints of ‘initiatives’ to be rolled out during the summer  Gavin Williamson outlined his plans for a phased school reopening from … Read more

Special ‘catch-up summer camps’ could be set up in the school holidays

Special ‘catch-up summer camps’ could be set up in the school holidays as Education Secretary Gavin Williamson hints at other ‘initiatives’ Pupils could be sent on special ‘summer camps’  to receive missed tuition Education Secretary hints of ‘initiatives’ to be rolled out during the summer  Gavin Williamson outlined his plans for a phased school reopening from … Read more

Children MUST get back to school, insists Gavin Williamson, brushing off concerns over pupil safety

Gavin Williamson piled pressure on teaching unions and local politicians today as he warned of the dire ‘consequences if children did not start returning to school. The Education Secretary made a blunt appeal to the emotions of parents tonight as he insisted planning can begin to reopen classrooms from as early as next month. Outlining … Read more

Schools chaos as second council REFUSES to restart classes next month but academies says they WILL

Warring teaching unions and ministers were told to stop ‘squabbling’ over the reopening of schools and find a way to make it happen today. Children’s Commissioner for England Anne Longfield warned that children were being harmed by the continued closure and they would have to return at some point before a cure for coronavirus was … Read more

Schools chaos as second council REFUSES to restart classes next month but academies says they WILL

The bitter row over Government plans to reopen schools exploded into fresh coronavirus chaos today as a second council said it would defy Government orders to restart classes.  Hartlepool in County Durham, joined Liverpool in saying it would ignore the plan to let some primary school pupils back to the school from June 1. Education … Read more

BMA says teachers’ unions are ‘absolutely right’ to claim it is unsafe for schools to open on June 1

BMA says teachers’ unions are ‘absolutely right’ to claim it is unsafe for schools to open on June 1 while Children’s Commissioner leads calls to get pupils back as soon as possible Anne Longfield called on union leaders to work with ministers to get pupils back Former Labour education secretary has also criticised trade union … Read more