General
Wednesday
29th Nov 2023
Regional directors ‘lack knowledge to hold trusts to account’
DfE regional directors cover such big areas they are not able to tackle problems quickly enough, council bosses warn
Pupils need AI lessons from age 11, say experts
There is not enough focus on artificial intelligence in ‘highly theoretical’ GCSE, according to the British Computer Society
Tuesday
28th Nov 2023
Ruth Perry inquest: Inspectors trained to ‘reduce stress’, says Ofsted director
Inquest into death of headteacher Ruth Perry has heard evidence from senior Ofsted official
How to improve school attendance
A new report highlighting ways to tackle pupil absence reveals ‘significant’ differences in the thresholds that trigger support across Scotland
Teacher strike changes: what the DfE said today
The DfE has published its proposals for maintaining minimum service levels in schools during strikes – here’s what they mean for staff and leaders
DfE: Heads ‘best placed’ to choose staff to work during strike
The DfE has published its proposals for maintaining minimum service levels in schools during staff strike action
Serious disruptive behaviour rising in Scottish schools
Teachers in early primary are most likely to encounter physical violence and aggression from pupils, finds first report from national behaviour research project since 2017
Revealed: DfE plan to keep most pupils in school during strikes
DfE discussion paper says there is a ‘strong case’ for ensuring face-to-face education continues for around 3 in 4 pupils during strikes
Exclusive
Specialist GCSE science teachers ‘unrealistic’, say ITT providers
Shortages of physics teachers could be addressed through a ‘specialist Early Career Framework’ for non-specialists, an expert suggests
Monday
27th Nov 2023
Further school strikes averted after union members accept offer
Strike action had been suspended earlier this month to allow Unison Scotland members to weigh up the latest pay offer
300% rise in teacher training applicants from overseas
But the increase is unlikely to tackle the teacher supply crisis because ‘the majority’ of these applicants are not recruited, expert warns
New Scottish Qualifications Authority chair announced
Shirley Rogers will have to steer the SQA through reform as it prepares to be replaced by a new national body in the coming years