Combine classes in case of Covid staff shortages, DfE tells teachers in England

Tories criticised for failing to tackle Omicron earlier as Covid infections are still highCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe government has told headteachers in England to start preparing for staff shortages by using suppor…

Unions criticise English schools ‘more normal year’ campaign as naive

As students are urged to have twice-weekly Covid tests, unions say further measures are needed to reassure parentsA new government campaign urging students in England to have twice-weekly Covid tests for “a more normal year” at school and college has b…

Cambridge to end teacher training if government enacts overhaul

Exclusive: university hits out at planned changes in England, which have been called a ‘wrecking ball’The University of Cambridge says it will cease teacher training courses if the government persists with damaging proposals to change how primary and s…

DfE swamped teachers with new rules at Covid outbreak, study finds

Staff in England overwhelmed by more than 200 pieces of guidance issued in first 90 days of pandemicCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageTeachers across England were overwhelmed by a “ridiculous” blizzard of rules and documents i…