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
Friday
15th Oct 2021
Number of secondary students with Covid up to 1 in 12
The proportion of positive Covid cases rose to a new high for secondary-age students last week
Is the faculty system working in Scottish schools?
Two researchers explain why they’re asking teachers for their views on the introduction of faculty structures in schools
Most schools’ teaching hit by Covid ‘havoc’ , say heads
Heads say Covid disruption is worse than autumn 2020 in many schools and half-term jab target is likely to be missed
Schools ‘need extra £100m for mental health post-Covid’
Counselling should be made available in all state secondary schools and academies, says the Local Government Association
Thursday
14th Oct 2021
Zahawi’s first month: What we know so far
Sam Freedman reflects on Nadhim Zahawi’s first month as education secretary and what clues we have about policy changes
9 in 10 teachers say baseline test is ‘waste of time’
The vast majority of Reception teachers believe new RBA is not as useful as their own observations, survey suggests
Covid ‘has exposed the impact of poverty on schools’
The ‘stark reality’ that schools face in trying to support disadvantaged pupils is revealed by new research
Covid cases among pupils ‘high and rising’, study shows
Imperial data shows coronavirus infection growing among under 18s last month after schools returned
Tuesday
12th Oct 2021
Covid: DfE tells schools to limit extended absences
Government reminds heads that Covid-related leaves of absence should only be granted in ‘exceptional circumstances’
Revealed: 12-15 vaccine take-up just 3% in some areas
Exclusive: ‘Urgent support’ needed, school leaders warn, as ÌÇÐÄVlog analysis reveals areas with lowest uptake
Vaccination progress ‘needed before mask rule change’
Student vaccinations must be ‘virtually complete’ before rule on masks in schools changes, says biggest teaching union
Walker: Teacher development and recruitment are key
In an exclusive ÌÇÐÄVlog article, the new minister for school standards says new initiatives will boost teachers’ careers