skip to main content

New Advice for Teachers Returning to Workplaces

In light of the new Government guidance meaning teachers can begin face to face lessons again in England, we’ve published new advice on returning to work as a teacher.

Published: 14 July 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
a female student and teacher playing piano
“We welcome these changes to the guidelines which will allow our many members who teach privately to return to face to face teaching." Photo: Shutterstock

Following the recent publication of government guidance on working safely in the performing arts  and  working safely in out of school settings in England during Coronavirus (Covid-19), we have updated our advice for members who teach.

Our aim to cover as many scenarios as possible so that you are able to make a decision about returning to face to face teaching, confident that you have practically considered all the issues so that you minimise the risk to yourself and to your students.

Members have embraced the change and unforeseen opportunities

Our National Organiser for Education and Training, Diane Widdison, welcomed this news:

“We welcome these changes to the guidelines which will allow our many members who teach privately to return to face to face teaching.

“Many of them moved to teaching online and embraced the change that brought about unforeseen opportunities as well as some technical challenges which had to be overcome – but we know that our members are looking forward to resuming seeing their students in person to continue the valuable contribution they make to their music education.”

Read our new advice on returning to face to face teaching, including teaching in schools, and other educational establishments.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Young Black college-age woman, sat at a kitchen  table with headphones on, looking at a laptop screen in concentration, next to a stack of books and notes.

What Could New V Levels Mean for Music Education?

MU National Organiser for Education, Health and Wellbeing Chris Walters explores what the government's reform of level 3 technical qualifications could mean for music education, including its impact on access, progression and existing courses.

Published: 16 June 2026

Read more about What Could New V Levels Mean for Music Education?
Last year's parade, MU members holding a large banner that says

March With the MU at Durham Miners’ Gala 2026

Members are invited to join the MU on Saturday 11 July for the Durham Miners' Gala -  the world’s largest celebration of trade union values, community spirit, and working-class life.

Published: 15 June 2026

Read more about March With the MU at Durham Miners’ Gala 2026
A bag full of an assortment of musical instruments in a school classroom.

MU Addresses MPs on Music Education

The MU addressed MPs on music education, warning that stagnant funding, university course closures and worsening conditions for teachers are putting the future of music education at risk. The General Secretary also followed up on her meeting with Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Published: 15 June 2026

Read more about MU Addresses MPs on Music Education