Commenting on the latest statistics released today, Kevin
Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education
Union, said:
“The increase in the number of secondary schools with partial
closures, under public health advice, reflects the continued
spread of coronavirus amongst the population and teenagers in
particular.
“Schools need the Government to take more robust action to bear
down on coronavirus infection rates and to provide quick testing
for pupils and teachers.
“84% of NEU members in our latest survey have said they do not
trust Boris Johnson’s Government to keep schools safe, to protect
workers, to listen to the profession, to support vulnerable or
disadvantaged children, or to ensure exams and assessment are fit
for purpose during Covid. This should be a point of acute
embarrassment to Government and a clear indication that they are
not doing enough to ensure our schools and colleges remain open
safely.
“The NEU has been calling for months for the boosting of the
track, trace and test throughout the country, and the creation of
a Plan B for schools and colleges which outlines contingency
plans for possible local or national lockdowns to ensure a
continuity of learning for all young people. Failure to implement
even basic effective measures is causing additional stress and
concern for schools, parents and the wider school community.”
