Air pollution: A low parent priority, despite latest evidence There are more than 2,000 schools and nurseries situated close to roads with illegal levels of air pollution in England and Wales. However, survey data from Friends of the Earth shows that pollution is not high on parents’ list of priorities when choosing a school.
‘Opportunity hoarders’ block social mobility for poor pupils The prospects for social mobility in Britain are “bleak” with the country’s poorest and richest likely to remain entrenched on their respective rungs of the income and social ladder for successive generations.
DfE’s teacher grant will not cover complete pay rise costs There was frustration this week after it was revealed that the government’s teachers’ pay grant will not cover the full costs of this year’s pay rises.
‘Without fear or favour’ – MPs urge Ofsted chief to speak out more MPs on the Committee of Public Accounts have said that Ofsted chief Amanda Spielman is too ‘reluctant’ to comment on wider issues and have called for her to speak-out ‘more freely’. Pete Henshaw reports
HSE issues warning over asbestos-containing gauze School science departments are being asked to urgently check their supply of gauze mats and verify that they do not contain asbestos.
Commission proposes new subject of religion and worldviews to replace outdated RE Religious education should be adapted to reflect social changes so that the subject better prepares young people for “living in an increasingly diverse world”. The subject’s name should also be changed to “religion and worldviews”.
DfE budgeting advice sparks angry reaction from NEU A toolkit offering support and advice to help reduce school running costs has been published by the Department for Education (DfE).
One in six children are vulnerable and face risks to their wellbeing An estimated 2.1 million of England’s 11.8 million children – one in six – are living in families where there are risks so serious that some level of intervention or help is necessary.
More details emerge ahead of new inspection framework Curriculum, data, behaviour, school gradings – Ofsted's chief inspector this week revealed more details of her vision for the new-look inspection framework, due to come into effect in September 2019. Pete Henshaw takes a look
Schools urged to be on FGM alert as ‘cutting season’ nears Teachers are being urged to stay alert to signs of pupils at-risk of undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM) as the so-called “cutting season” approaches.
Free resources aim to help children spot fake news Only two in every 100 children have the critical literacy skills they need to spot if a news story is real or fake.
Air pollution worse inside some London classrooms than outside London’s most polluted primary schools are being given access to a new £1 million fund in a bid to make immediate improvements to protect pupils from toxic air inside classrooms. Pete Henshaw reports
‘Pinball kids’ at higher risk of exclusion, gangs and grooming The children's commissioner issues a clear warning about the children in care who are ‘pinging’ around the education system with frequent changes to home, school and social workers. Pete Henshaw reports
Free school project hijacked by MATs as parent role diminishes The government’s free schools programme has strayed from its original purpose, with the majority of new schools being set-up by multi-academy trusts (MAT) rather than by parent or community groups.
Every school day, 183 pupils are referred to CAMHS Overall referrals continue to soar, with at least 35,000 last year. However, one-third of pupils referred to CAMHS are being turned away and declined specialist treatment. Pete Henshaw reports
Positive reaction to QTS and induction reforms The induction period for new teachers is to be extended to two years as part of a number of measures aimed at supporting teacher recruitment and retention. 1 comment
Curriculum and assessment reforms are hitting SEND pupils, says NAHT ?Swingeing reforms to the national curriculum and assessment criteria are compromising the educational outcomes of pupils with SEND, according to a new analysis published earlier this month.
Some inspectors are still asking to see evidence not required by Ofsted A call is being made for “greater consistency” in Ofsted inspections after a survey of school leaders found that schools are still being asked to provide evidence that is not officially required.
Be ‘bold and courageous’ with your curriculum, Ofsted urges Curriculum, exclusion and literacy – Ofsted outlines its key priorities at Headteacher Update’s Ninth Pupil Premium & Ofsted Conference
Education support charity reports sharp rise in calls about stress Calls from worried teachers to the Education Support Partnership’s confidential helpline have risen by a third in the last year, figures show.
Free school meals threshold to hit Pupil Premium funding As estimated one million pupils will miss out on Pupil Premium funding after changes to the Universal Credit system to introduce a threshold for free school meal eligibility get the go-ahead
Teachers' working hours and pay compares poorly to nursing and the police Teachers’ average hourly pay has decreased by 15 per cent since 2009/10. This compares to falls of four and 11 per cent for nurses and police officers respectively.
Almost 30,000 sign petition to save £650,000 annual SLCN funding A £650,000 government cut is putting at risk specialist support for children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) – one of the most common childhood disabilities – it has been warned.
Coalition steps-up its baseline fight As the government decides which commercial company will win the £10 million contract for the baseline assessment of four-year-olds, the ‘More than a Score’ coalition has published a dossier of evidence against the controversial policy
Concern over long school journeys for SEN pupils With the number of pupils needing places in special schools set to rise by 11,000 in the coming years, concern has been voiced at the distance SEN students are being forced to travel to go to school.
