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
Tuesday
29th Jun 2021
Four-fold rise in Covid school absence in a fortnight
1 in 20 pupils off ‘for Covid-related reasons’, with significant increase in past two weeks
‘Covid cases in schools are veering out of control’
Schools are caught in a recurring Covid nightmare – which the government seems determined to ignore, says Dan Morrow
Change isolation rules ‘now’ not autumn, urges MAT boss
Changing rules for September is too late, says leader of academy chain with 3,000 pupils isolating at home
Heads’ ‘chaos’ warning on September school testing plan
ASCL leader Geoff Barton criticises Department for Education over ‘vague’ message to schools on the return of Covid testing sites
School isolation rules likely to end in autumn
Move comes amid growing concerns about the rising numbers of pupils being sent home from school
Williamson wants teachers’ tips for ‘calm’ classrooms
Education secretary also seeks views on controversial ‘mobile phone-free school days’
Monday
28th Jun 2021
Javid seeks ‘fresh advice’ on school bubble isolation
New health secretary urged to take action to stop pupils missing school when Covid bubbles burst
Ofsted to assess schools’ use of Covid catch-up tutors
Watchdog sets out seven other ways inspections will be carried out differently following Covid-19 pandemic
Rethink school Covid bubble rules, says SAGE expert
But head calls for consideration to be given to teachers’ safety – especially for those aged under 30
Thursday
24th Jun 2021
Call to improve schools to level up ‘education deserts’
One in 25 primary pupils lives in an area with all primaries rated ‘inadequate’ or ‘requires improvement’, warns report
Is ‘white privilege’ to blame for education’s ills?
The phrase ‘white privilege’ is blamed for working-class boys’ failure – but this doesn’t add up, says Tabitha McIntosh