Portsmouth teacher and National Education Union president calls for schools to be part of lockdown

The National Education Union (NEU) president cited recent national figures highlighting the escalation of infection rates in schools and colleges, saying any lockdown would be 'self-defeating’ if it did not include schools and colleges.

The call for action comes after prime minster Boris Johnston addressed the nation about the need to impose a second lockdown which MPs will vote on this Wednesday.

Ms Martin said: ‘Such a lockdown would impose pain on the whole community - but not be as effective as it could be if schools were included. Ignoring the role of schools and colleges in the spread of the virus is likely to lead to the need for even longer lockdowns in future.’

The NEU said recent figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlighted the need to include secondary schools and colleges in any locldown.

Ms Martin added: ‘The latest figures from the ONS estimate that one per cent of primary pupils and two per cent of secondary pupils have the virus and these levels have increased dramatically since wider opening in September. NEU analysis of ONS figures shows that virus levels are now nine times higher amongst primary pupils and an astonishing 50 times higher amongst secondary pupils.

‘It’s clear from ONS data that schools are an engine for virus transmission. It would be self-defeating for the government to impose a national lockdown, whilst ignoring the role of schools as a major contributor to the spread of the virus.’

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The NEU believes the government missed an opportunity by not imposing a lockdown earlier to incorporate the half-term holiday and feels any post-lockdown return of staff and children should be ‘on a rota basis’.

Ms Martin said: ‘The government should include all schools in proposals for an immediate national lockdown and meeting its promise to deliver broadband and equipment to those children who do not have them.’

Despite calls from the NEU to include schools in any lockdown, the prime minister today (November 2) reiterated to Parliament the need to keep schools, colleges and universities open.

Mr Johnson said: ‘We must not let this virus damage our children and young people’s education.’

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