Friday
Government was not prepared for ‘enormous’ task of school closures
If restrictions had been put in place sooner, then lockdown could have been shorter – or not necessary at all, Covid inquiry report also finds
Nick Gibb: Smartphones are ‘asbestos’ for children
Former schools minister also criticises the government for scrapping the EBacc performance measure, which he says will affect uptake of modern languages
Why do teachers get such a bad deal on maternity pay?
With women making up the vast majority of the workforce, could better maternity leave pay help tackle the teacher retention crisis?
Special schools fear being an ‘afterthought’ on curriculum
In response to the curriculum review, leaders in the specialist sector urge the DfE to focus more on what is taught in special schools and how best practice can be shared
Thursday
SEND: Resource bases ‘can be exclusion in its worst sense’
Mainstream and AP leaders question the government’s focus on resourced provision and SEN units in its drive to create a more inclusive school system
Reduced class contact time measures announced in Scotland
Four-day teacher working week, dedicated day for professional activities and minimum pupil learning hours proposed, but union expresses ‘deep disappointment’ at handling of announcement
5 ways schools and the NHS can work together
A new framework from Windsor Academy Trust outlines how schools can work with the NHS to ensure a healthy life for pupils – and improve educational outcomes, too
Wednesday
Breakfast clubs funding rises after schools raise concerns
The Department for Education says it has boosted funding for free school breakfast clubs by 28 per cent, after leaders warned the money was falling far short
Teaching citizenship in primary will strengthen our democracy
The UK’s attorney general explains why he welcomes curriculum reform that will make citizenship education compulsory in primary schools
