Policy
The latest news, analysis and advice on government policy and legislation. Find a breakdown of new documentation, case studies from leaders and comment from high-profile educators
Monday
19th Jul 2021
Covid: Most pupils won’t be vaccinated, says government
Decision risks soaring infections among school-aged children this autumn, headteachers’ leader warns
Covid: DfE support for schools ‘shameful’, say leaders
Two in five heads have mostly ‘survived’ during the pandemic, while 23 per cent have been sometimes or mostly ‘sinking’
Schools not asked for this week’s Covid attendance data
Schools told that the portal for providing Covid attendance data is now closed until September, despite rising absence
Why the farce of freedom day is very clear to schools
The change in Covid guidance in the last week of term could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back, says Dan Morrow
Friday
16th Jul 2021
‘Anxiety and confusion’ over new Covid contacts plan
NHS 91¶¶Òõt and Trace will contact pupils with Covid directly to identify contacts – but teachers say plan is ‘ridiculous’
Has Gavin just insulted teachers and students?
The education secretary attacks ‘second-rate qualifications’ but the replacement will most likely lead to levelling down, says Geoff Barton
Thursday
15th Jul 2021
Call for TA mental health support as anxiety soars
DfE’s new staff mental health charter leaves out support staff and many won’t flag wellbeing issues for fear of being laid off, says union
DfE chief: ‘We could have done better’ on catch-up plan
Permanent secretary says government should have ensured there was a ‘shared’ set of expectations on Covid education recovery
Teachers need job security to drive Covid recovery
Teachers have worked flat out and should not be struggling to find secure jobs, says Willie Rennie