The Government, assisted by the BBC and others, are piling on the pressure to get schools fully opened for September. It’s clear that they want to abandon any effective social distancing so that full classes are packed into classrooms, despite the obvious risk of infection being spread and schools becoming the “institutional amplifiers” of the virus, as independent SAGE have warned.
Continue readingSeptember – no full return until it’s safe
Boris Johnson has announced that schools in England will be returning “with full attendance” in September. This follows a sustained propaganda campaign from the media and pro-capitalist politicians designed to put pressure on schools to re-open as soon as possible.
Continue readingWe need a Socialist Education Programme
Even before the call for a ‘new normal’ in the aftermath of the coronavirus crisis, the UK education system has been crying out for change.
Continue readingCovid Crisis exposes Tory Hypocrisy
One of the most nauseating sights and sounds of the lockdown has been Tory politicians justifying their attempts to fully re-open schools. They have the bare faced cheek to argue that they are concerned that vulnerable children will be left at risk if schools don’t open.
Continue readingTory full return to school plans gamble with lives
The government’s plans for a full return to schools in September make crystal clear it has no interest in our safety or the genuine education needs of our children.
Continue readingFully fund schools – stand firm on safety
Under pressure from their own failures to make sure schools are in a position to safely open more widely, the Tories have committed to providing £1 billion for schools next year. However, the money comes with significant strings attached.
Continue readingParents’ protests against Welsh schools reopening
Parents for Safety First organised a cavalcade of eight cars to publicise the campaign to oppose the reopening of schools in Wales on 29 June announced by Kirsty Williams, Liberal Democrat education minister for the Welsh Government.
Continue readingTories retreat on free school meals – the more we protest the more we can win
Against the backdrop of mass anti-racist protests and growing anger against inequality, the Tories have made another u-turn. This time over taking free school meal vouchers away from poor children during the summer holidays.
Continue readingTories backtrack in England – Stand firm for school safety
The stand taken by staff and parents has helped make sure most primary schools in England have failed to open as widely as the Tories had intended.
Continue readingSchools… no going back until it’s safe
In almost every primary in Newham, east London, staff voted against increased school attendance and did not go in on Monday 1 June.
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