NEU comments on Greenwich Council

Commenting on Greenwich Council backing away from plans to move schools to online learning ahead of the Christmas break, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:

"This Government really has taken a step too far. Local authorities that took the decision to move schools and colleges to online learning a few days before the end of term did so in the face of rising infection rates and for the safety and protection of their communities. The fact that Gavin Williamson and the Prime Minister refuse to see sense and allow the professional judgement of headteachers and local authorities to take precedent is shameful and yet another grave error of judgement in a long line of such errors. They should hang their heads in shame. Parents, students and school staff will not forgive this wilful neglect of their safety."