Tuesday
Schools told to justify pupil premium spending
DfE to carry out ‘monitoring checks’ to ensure schools’ pupil premium spending is based on ‘evidence’
How can the DfE help you best? Funding...or music?
The launch of a model music curriculum is welcome – but where’s the funding or training to back it up, asks Michael Tidd
Secondaries get £298 for each Year 7 for summer schools
The DfE expects summer holiday programmes will focus on provision for students transitioning into Year 7
More than 300K extra pupils on FSM since first lockdown
Nearly one in five pupils are now eligible for free school meals, new data reveals
Thursday
North East schools warn of £7m pupil premium shortfall
Providing extra funding with one hand while taking it away with another is not right, says Northern poverty commissioner
Revealed: Why schools didn’t get their laptops in time
Global supply constraints ‘governed’ the fact the DfE couldn’t distribute devices as quickly as hoped, top civil servant says
Wednesday
Covid plays role in ‘unexpectedly large’ NEU surplus
Union reports £5.4m cash surplus – instead of a predicted deficit – thanks to membership rise and Covid-related savings
Exclusive: NEU’s ‘early exit’ from Edenred perks deal
Union to end contract in which controversial free school meal vouchers provider runs ‘exclusive package’ for members
