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
31st May 2024
Ministers accused of ‘greenlighting’ further cuts to teacher numbers
Failure to hit Scottish government teacher number targets will not result in the ‘totality’ of funding being withheld – ‘mitigating factors’ will also be taken into account
What is the multiplication tables check?
All you need to know about the Year 4 times tables tests, including which questions are most likely to appear and the 2024 test dates
Future of Northern Ireland school inspection laid out
Northern Ireland’s Education and Training Inspectorate is ‘determined to lower the stakes but raise the impact associated with inspection’
7 real-world fixes for the growing attainment gap
The attainment gap may not be top of the to-do list for the next government but it’s a growing issue that cannot be ignored – especially as it could shape the future of the country for years to come, says Carl Cullinane
Phones in schools: what’s happening in Scotland?
Amid growing calls for mobile phones to banned in schools and with the Scottish government due to publish guidance, Emma Seith investigates how schools are handling the issue
Could a ‘Tinder for trusts’ help match MATs and schools?
Currently, there are no easy mechanisms to find trusts looking for another partner – but a new, dating app-like system could transform the process, says this headteacher
Thursday
30th May 2024
Swinney: Cutting teachers would hinder drive to close attainment gap
But letter to councils from education secretary reveals that government stance on teacher numbers is not as hardline as previously appeared
Labour’s VAT plans, staff costs and the law: what schools need to know
A lawyer explains why Labour’s proposed tax plans have got private schools considering their options on staff pay – but the law is clear on what actions they can and cannot take
Why better paternity pay would be a game-changer
Bringing paternity pay in line with maternity pay would bring schools and trusts in line with similar public sector institutions that recognise the value in this approach, says Emma Sheppard
Can flexible working really solve the teacher recruitment crisis?
In this edition of our Big Debate webinar, three trust leaders discuss the increasing range of flexible working opportunities on offer to their staff. But are initiatives like these enough to attract more teachers into the profession?