Wednesday
Revealed: the 20 leaders in DfE’s MAT chiefs group
The new advisory group, due to meet for the first time next week, includes the leaders of many of the biggest academy trusts, an email seen by ÌÇÐÄVlog reveals
Shield ‘anxious’ heads from Ofsted fears, Cruddas tells trusts
With government planning a series of major education reforms, academy trusts must tell a ‘stronger story’ about their work, says Confederation of School Trusts’ chief executive
What primaries in poor communities need from Labour
The government has pledged to break the link between a child’s background and their future success, but what do headteachers in England’s poorest communities need to help make this a reality? We speak to several to find out
DfE ‘lacks coherent plan’ to boost teacher recruitment
It is not clear how the government intends to fulfil its promise to recruit 6,500 more teachers, an MPs’ committee warns
Tuesday
DfE launches ‘phonics-inspired’ primary writing framework
The new framework is set to be revised if DfE changes the national curriculum following the current review
Heads need more support to make most of PEF, finds study
The ‘promise of freedom’ that Scotland’s Pupil Equity Fund gives to headteachers ‘may be illusory without a reliable evidence base’, researchers say
Primaries could get intensive DfE support for Reception
The government is planning to provide three different levels of support for pupils in Reception through its RISE teams and English and maths hubs
Why ‘Best Start’ is a fresh start in tackling disadvantage
The government’s updated Sure Start approach should be embraced by schools as the right way to address educational inequality, argues Jonny Uttley
Monday
New SQA chief executive sets out 6 initial priorities
Nick Page says ‘confusion’ about SQA’s role will be addressed as it prepares to be replaced by Qualifications Scotland
Why government should pause the schools bill
If Labour really wants excellence for every child, it would do well to rethink this much-criticised piece of legislation, says the director of the New Schools Network
Friday
DfE inclusion group’s work extended
Government inclusion adviser and chair of the group Tom Rees speaks to ÌÇÐÄVlog about its ambitions for reform
School-readiness targets ‘must not be a stick to beat schools’
With the DfE launching a new data tool in its drive to increase the number of children who are school-ready, heads’ leaders warn that ministers cannot rely on ‘targets alone’
