Alongside our best practice section, Headteacher Update features regular news and news analysis articles to keep school leaders up-to-date with the latest policy and sector developments. Our news pieces attempt to tackle issues of direct relevance to primary school educators and offer something different to the mainstream media.

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Ofsted's September 'visits' are not 'inspection by stealth' – Amanda Spielman

Ofsted’s plan to begin visiting schools again from September is not “inspection by stealth” and is a genuine attempt to offer “constructive challenge” and build a picture of practice across England’s schools.

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Query over key stage 1 tests after Reception Baseline Assessment postponed

Primary school leaders are hoping that the removal of key stage 1 statutory assessments could still happen within the planned timescales despite delays to the national roll-out of Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA).

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Headteachers face up to 'mind-boggling logistics' of full reopening in September

The logistics of keeping apart many different “bubbles” of children in full schools from September is “mind-boggling”, school leaders have warned.

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Crisis in the early years as nurseries and pre-schools face closure

Many early years providers may be forced to close permanently because of the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown, with those in the poorest areas hit the hardest.

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One month on: Schools' experiences of wider re-opening

No NPQH ever prepared headteachers for the decision-making and timetabling that they have had to put into operation over the past few weeks. One month on since wider re-opening of primary schools, headteachers speak to Suzanne O’Connell about their experiences and lessons learned so far

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Children reveal their top 10 lockdown films

Playing outside, watching feel-good films, gaming and baking are among the top activities that have helped pupils to stay positive during the lockdown.

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Full school re-opening? One-metre rule change makes little difference, DfE told

School leaders and teachers have warned that the move to a social distancing standard of one metre will make little difference to the capacity of schools to re-open fully in September.

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Behaviour policies must become trauma-aware post-lockdown

School behaviour policies post-lockdown must take into account the exceptional circumstances of the pandemic and “reflect how behaviour could relate to trauma or emotional distress”.

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Funded support for NQTs hit by coronavirus lockdown

Schools eligible for the one-year funded offer of support for early career teachers whose training has been interrupted by the coronavirus lockdown are to be contacted by providers in due course.

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Frustration at lack of consultation over DfE's £1bn catch-up programme

School leaders have expressed their frustration at being kept in the dark over the government’s plans for a £1 billion catch-up tutoring programme.

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Looming recession will boost teacher recruitment (and retention)

Teacher recruitment is likely to experience a welcome boost caused by the inevitable recession that has been brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

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Two million still face holiday hunger risk despite FSM summer extension

As many as two million children who are not eligible for free school meals (FSM) still face the threat of going hungry this summer.

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Study reveals most effective remote learning approaches

The use of virtual learning environments (VLE), phone calls, online conversations and retrieval practice can improve pupils’ engagement in remote learning, a study has found.

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Capacity to bring back more pupils is 'limited'

Many primary schools will have “limited capacity” to bring back more pupils while restricting class sizes to no more than 15 in distinct and consistent groups, but school leaders have still welcomed new flexibility in government guidance.

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Children's harrowing accounts of domestic violence during lockdown

"We should be allowed back to school now so my step-dad stops hitting mummy.”

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Coronavirus: Williamson faces MPs' questions on extending FSM vouchers and free laptops

The education secretary has refused to be drawn on calls for free devices and internet access for all pupils who need them, increased Pupil Premium allocations for schools, a continuation of FSM vouchers this summer, or holiday schemes to support disadvantaged pupils.

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Fears of autumn spike behind June 29 re-opening in Wales

Schools in Wales are preparing to bring back pupils from June 29 amid safety concerns from teaching unions. School leaders, meanwhile, are seeking clarification from the Welsh Assembly on ‘flexibilities and practicalities’ in the plans. Greg Lewis reports

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Children's fruit and veg intake plummets during lockdown

There are concerns about a sharp fall in disadvantaged children’s intake of fruit and vegetables during the coronavirus lockdown.

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Social bubbles and rota systems crucial to wider re-opening of schools

Rota systems and social bubbles are key to the wider re-opening of primary schools, school leaders have told Headteacher Update.

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September curriculum must not focus solely on "catch-up"

Schools are being urged to avoid focusing solely on pupils “catching up” as they plan their curriculum and timetabling for September.

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Call for dedicated mental health professionals in schools post-lockdown

There have been further calls for a focus on wellbeing and mental health as schools re-open to more students – including a proposal to place dedicated mental health professionals in schools.

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The 'trauma gap': Schools must not return to 'business as usual' post-lockdown

The government cannot expect schools to return to “business as usual”, focusing purely on academic performance and the attainment gap – we must prioritise the “trauma gap” as well.

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Primary schools urged to use rotas if necessary from June 1 despite DfE reluctance

There is pressure on the government to reconsider its position against the use of rotas when bringing back more primary school pupils from June 1 – with leadership unions backing schools that choose to do so anyway.

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Safeguarding: Social workers in schools project to expand trials

Placing social workers in schools could reduce the number of children being referred for child protection and child in need enquiries, pilot studies have shown.

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Anxious headteachers feeling the burden of responsibility as they plan for June 1

“Deeply anxious”, “extremely concerned”, “incredibly stressed” – primary school leaders have told Headteacher Update this week of the enormous pressure they face as they plan for a possible June 1 re-opening.

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