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
Thursday
11th Nov 2021
Covid: Up to 49k hidden cases may be in primary schools
Experts find absence figures have been lower than estimated infection rates in some primary year groups
GCSEs 2022: Run ‘exam-condition’ mocks, schools told
The DfE says students should be tested in ‘exam-like conditions’ in case GCSEs and A levels are scrapped owing to Covid again next summer
Wednesday
10th Nov 2021
New DfE SEND adviser group to deliver review ‘at pace’
Senior government officials, the new children’s commissioner and a top Ofsted director among new steering group for much-delayed review
Government steps in over TikTok teacher abuse videos
Department for Education says it is ‘engaging with’ TikTok after heads’ warning over ‘highly insulting’ videos
Tuesday
9th Nov 2021
‘Deep concern’ as teachers targeted on TikTok
‘Highly insulting’ TikTok videos impersonating school staff must be pulled down, heads warn
Ofsted: Inspections ‘fair’ despite Covid ‘pressure’
Exclusive: Ofsted insists the best way for it to support the sector is to carry on with routine inspections of schools
Friday
5th Nov 2021
WATCH: Greta Thunberg addresses pupils at COP26 rally
Climate activist condemns world leaders’ inaction after thousands of young people march through Glasgow
WATCH: Pupils march for climate action at COP26
Thousands set off from Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Park to demand more action on climate change from world leaders
COP26: Zahawi: ‘Don’t miss school for climate marches’
Education secretary’s plea comes as youth activists take to streets of Glasgow for COP26
Politicians can cut teacher workload if they want to
The sudden appearance of a long-called-for travelcard for Glasgow ahead of the COP26 conference proves that the authorities can tackle teacher workload if they really want to, writes Henry Hepburn
Thursday
4th Nov 2021
COP26: Pupils to be recognised for climate action
Education secretary Nadhim Zahawi will set out plans to promote action against climate change at the COP26 summit
DfE review of longer day warns about teaching capacity
But increasing hours for 16-19 education is seen as more ‘feasible’, according to new document