NEU on Re-opening Schools

The National Education Union almost certainly just made history for holding the biggest trade union meeting ever. Almost 20,000 people registered for the Zoom webinar that just finished, where members of the NEU were able to ask the General Secretaries and President questions that were answered live.

There was an expectation that the re-opening of schools would be gradual and measured. We do not think that the government is acting in a measured way. Its approach is reckless.

Most schools are already open. 
The NEU believe:
The government should publish its scientific advice.
It should survive interrogation from independent scientists.
Testing, tracking and tracing would need to be in place.
We would need "R" to be falling.

The checklist for members is endorsed by the GMB, Unite, Unison and the NEU.

 The document from the unions

The UK is not mirroring Denmark. Denmark has social distancing. The DFE does not insist on social distancing.

Denmark has much smaller groups. 15 pupils in UK classrooms cannot socially distance.

Denmark has provided money for the cleaning of schools and has clear guidelines.

In Denmark, a local official has to sign off on re-opening..

Countries with similar levels of infection are not re-opening schools. 

You have an absolute legal right not to work in an unsafe environment. This cannot be overruled by the Government.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Derek-McMillan/e/B009FUXHWY