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.
Author: Bruce Levitan
Teaching pupils empathy measurably improves their creative abilities, study finds
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
Widen access to classical music with free lessons, says Errollyn Wallen
Multi award-winning Belize-born British composer and performer, recently appointed as Master of the King’s Music, provides a clear challenge to the government to provide free taught musical instruments at school to widen access to classical music. This article in the Guardian sets out her challenge in more detail.
Local authority interactive tool (LAIT)
The DfE's Local authority interactive tool (LAIT) has been removed from its website as it does not comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. They are working on a new version, but in the meantime you can still get a copy of this (very useful) tool by emailing them at request.lait@education.gov.uk with the title: ‘Send me … Continue reading Local authority interactive tool (LAIT)
School suspensions in Derbyshire reach record high
Reported here in Derbyshire Times (26 July), this article notes: Department for Education figures show there were 12,344 suspensions from Derbyshire schools the 2022-23 academic year – the highest since records began for the area. It was up from 8,718 suspensions the year before, and more than double the 5,033 number in 2018-19, before the … Continue reading School suspensions in Derbyshire reach record high
Educational outcomes for SEND pupils have failed to improve over the last decade
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
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?
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?
Changes to ungraded inspections
Oftsed's changes to ungraded inspections in the autumn term are explained in this article on their website. They outline the process which can be summarised as: The day before the on-site inspection begins, they will hold an extended phone conversation aimed atb agreeing what they need to do during the on-site inspection; During the inspection, … Continue reading Changes to ungraded inspections
Reeves hints public sector workers could get above-inflation pay rises
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
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
Bridget Phillipson webinar for school workers
In a recent webinar, the new Secretary of State for Education spoke about her commitment to work positively with the education sector, and was refreshingly open in admitming that she might make mistakes. This Schools Week article summarises her main talking points: Ofsted needs view of ‘wider range of services’ ‘High standards and curriculum breadth’ … Continue reading Bridget Phillipson webinar for school workers
Letter from Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education
Bridget Phillipson, the new Secretary of State for Education, has written to all those involved in education, under the headline statement I’m excited to work with you to break down barriers to opportunity She goes on to say "I am determined that we will drive change together. Working with all of you, we want to … Continue reading Letter from Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education
NGA’s Governance Professional Survey 2024
To take part in NGA's survey for governance professionals serving schools and academy trusts: visit this link.
NGA School and Trust Annual Governance Survey 2024
The NGA has just published its latest (14th) School and Trust Annual Governance Survey. Highlight findings include: Funding Financial sustainability under threat Budget pressures intensify Falling pupil numbers Curriculum breadth at risk SEND funding crisis deepens Pupil, family and community needs SEND support demands surge Attendance is high priority Expanding school services Safeguarding issues growing … Continue reading NGA School and Trust Annual Governance Survey 2024
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