Author: Bruce Levitan

Ofsted: the response to the Big Listen

~ Bruce Levitan

Ofsted have concluded their "Big Listen" consultation, and on 3rd September they published their response - this covers children’s social care, special education needs and disabilities and alternative provision, early years, schools, further education and skills, teacher professional development and education. For schools, the changes they have announced are as follows: remove the overall effectiveness … Continue reading Ofsted: the response to the Big Listen

Infant school hit by cyber attack

~ Bruce Levitan

We are all aware that onine security is a major convern, and that cyber threats are always out there. A recent cyber attack at an Essex infant school, reported here by the BBC, highlights the issue, demonstrating that it is very real, and that all schools need to have appropriate security in place.

Teaching pupils empathy measurably improves their creative abilities, study finds

~ Bruce Levitan

New research led by Bill Nicholl and Ian Hosking at the University of Cambridge suggests that teaching children in a way that encourages them to empathise with others measurably improves their creativity, and could potentially lead to several other beneficial learning outcomes. The findings are from a year-long University of Cambridge study with Design and … Continue reading Teaching pupils empathy measurably improves their creative abilities, study finds

Educational outcomes for SEND pupils have failed to improve over the last decade

~ Bruce Levitan

A new report by Isos Partnership commissioned by the County Councils Network and the Local Government Association was released on 25 July. The study concludes that the current system is not working for families, schools and councils alike. The report is called Towards an effective and financially sustainable approach to SEND in England, and highhlights … Continue reading Educational outcomes for SEND pupils have failed to improve over the last decade

Ministerial taskforce launched to kickstart work on child poverty strategy

~ Bruce Levitan

The Prime Minister has appointed the Work & Pensions Secretary and the Education Secretary as the joint leads of a new ministerial taskforce to begin work on the Child Poverty Strategy. A new Child Poverty Unit in the Cabinet Office - bringing together expert officials from across government as well as external experts - will … Continue reading Ministerial taskforce launched to kickstart work on child poverty strategy

The King’s Speech 2024: What does it mean for education?

~ Bruce Levitan

The new Labour government have announced a series of new bills and initiatives - this post on the DfE website summarises what's there for education, which includes: Children’s Wellbeing Bill: Making sure there are free breakfast clubs in every primary school; Limiting the number of branded uniform items that a school can require, to bring … Continue reading The King’s Speech 2024: What does it mean for education?

Reeves hints public sector workers could get above-inflation pay rises

~ Bruce Levitan

Amid calls for a 5.5% pay rise for NHS and teachers, as reported here by The Guardian (and other news media), Rachel Reeves has not ruled out above-inflation pay rises as noted in this Guardian article (also reported on The Times and BBC). The Telegraph notes that a 5.5% pay deal would cost Treasury an … Continue reading Reeves hints public sector workers could get above-inflation pay rises

Government launches Curriculum and Assessment Review

~ Bruce Levitan

A broader, richer, cutting-edge curriculum that drives high and rising schools standards and sets all young people up for life and work will be central to the government’s vision for education, as it launches its wide-ranging Curriculum and Assessment Review on 19 July, headed up by leading education expert, Professor Becky Francis CBE. You can … Continue reading Government launches Curriculum and Assessment Review