Teachers’ Union calls for nationwide move to remote learning for all age groups

“It is the only sensible and credible option at this time to minimise the risks to those working in schools"

The Teachers' Union (NASUWT) have called for a nationwide move to remote learning for all age groups as cases of Covid-19 soar across the country. Secondary schools will remain shut for an extra two weeks but many primary schools across the country will open as planned this coming week, against the wishes of the teachers' union. In a letter to education secretary Gavin Williamson, NASUWT General Secretary Dr Patrick Roach said a move to remote learning across the board is “the only sensible and credible option at this time to minimise the risks to those working in schools and to safeguard public health." https://twitter.com/NASUWT/status/1345339751407218689 “The NASUWT is completely committed to ensuring that children can return to school as quickly as possible," the letter reads. “However, it is now abundantly clear that the pandemic is seriously impacting on the ability of all schools and colleges to continue to operate normally. “There is genuine concern that schools and colleges are not able to reopen fully and safely at this time. “The NASUWT remains of the view that schools, colleges and other settings should only remain open to all pupils where it is safe for them to do so. “The NASUWT will not hesitate to take appropriate action in order to protect members whose safety is put at risk as a result of the failure of employers or the Government to ensure safe working conditions in schools and colleges.” Boris Johnson claimed that schools were "safe" last week and that household mixing was the main factor in spreading coronavirus. SAGE scientists, however, denied this claim, calling it "untrue." Professor Susan Michie tweeted: "PM Boris Johnson says today that schools are safe. This is untrue & prevents the necessary measures that need to be taken to make them safe eg. ventilation & distancing (which requires space in unused buildings & extra staff)."