Guidance

Schools are advised to alert the police immediately, but not initiate a lockdown unless told to or if there is an immediate physical threat

This week’s essential education news and analysis includes why KCSIE is letting pupils and teachers down, MPs calling for a ‘major’ mental health plan to tackle the attendance crisis, plus schools see a rise in Covid absences

Schools warn Ofsted that a lack of funding is affecting careers provision

More support for SEND and mental health would reduce the ‘incredible pressure’ on schools, MPs tell ministers

By failing to align with the Achieving Best Evidence guidance used by police and social workers, schools risk inadvertently collecting evidence that may be undermined in court

As reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete continues to be found in schools, a lawyer offers advice on what to ask to determine your own school’s response

The education secretary made the claim as she updated MPs on how the government is handling the presence of collapse-risk RAAC

The Glasgow primary headteacher on creating a truly fair schools system, the value in being “consistently inconsistent” and how her school responded to a “tsunami of racism”

Leaders’ union cautions against using the role to add extra safeguarding ‘burdens’ onto schools

Survey highlights the difficulties faced by schools in spotting the collapse-prone concrete, as DfE admits it has doubts over some school checks

Artificial intelligence is forcing us to re-examine everything – from the role of direct instruction to the importance of literacy, say Dylan Wiliam, John Hattie and Arran Hamilton, whose new research explores the implications of AI in schools

Updated government guidance advises schools with closed buildings to discuss help with costs of transport and renting temporary accommodation with caseworkers and the ESFA