Prospect’s Education and Children’s Services Group (ECS Group) has joined other TUC Education Unions today in calling for the Government to work with unions to create conditions for a safe return to schools. 

This follows the announcement that in England, Primary school pupils in Reception and Year One, plus Year Six will return from 1 June. 

There were also announcements that other Primary school years and some Secondary school years could return before the summer.

Education non-teaching professionals have been working remotely, particularly in local authorities and MATs throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to provide support to schools; children and young people; their families; governors and elected Councillors. 

Prospect’s ECSG has consulted members and will be submitting a response to the House of Commons Education Select Committee inquiry on the impact of school closures.  

Our members are deeply concerned about the impact of school closures, particularly in widening inequalities and what negative impacts may be on all children, including those that are 'vulnerable' children and are keen to see education returning to what it does best. 

However the announcements about 1 June re-opening have seen an outpouring of concern from teachers; school leaders and, importantly parents, who reasonably have questions about how doing so can happen while safety is prioritised.  

We are asking members for their priorities in a crowd-sourcing survey, but school safety is by far the most pressing issue, and we think it is right to expect the Government to consult with the education unions to enable a safe return for schools.   

You can read a copy of the joint TUC statement here 

 

Steve Thomas, National Secretary