Address teachers' concerns ahead of September reopening, says NASUWT

Teacher's union NASUWT is calling on the government to address the concerns of teachers across the country before schools reopen to all pupils in September.

Teachers and headteachers have raised questions around additional funding for schools, protections for clinically vulnerable staff, and extra cleaning provisions which have been put to the Department for Education.

The Union is urging Education Secretary Gavin Williamson to come up with a co-ordinated national plan for schools across England to deliver the full and safe reopening of all schools in September and which addresses the many practical and logistical issues that have been raised.

NASUWT General Secretary Dr Patrick Roach said: “The NASUWT recognises the importance of schools reopening to all children as soon as it is safe to do so.

“The Education Secretary needs to develop a coordinated national plan to deliver the full and safe reopening of all schools in September.

“He needs to address as a matter of urgency the many practical and logistical issues that have been raised by teachers and headteachers across the country.

“Schools have only a few weeks before they close for the summer break. Teachers and headteachers need urgent clarification from the DfE if they are to be able to meet the guidance on September re-opening consistently and safely.”

Dr Roach has also written to the Education Secretary raising the concerns and calling for clarity from the DfE in the event of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in a school and to ensure the priority for COVID-19 testing includes teachers.