Saturday
SEND reform: Experts at hand service could be a game-changer
Trust leader Tom Campbell says quick access to SEND experts – especially educational psychologists – could be transformative
Teacher strike ballot opens over pay and workload
NEU union launches indicative strike ballot, as general secretary Daniel Kebede warns ‘schools are running on empty’
Friday
Private schools lose legal challenge over VAT on fees
Several schools and parents previously brought legal action against the Treasury, but now Court of Appeal dismisses the challenge
How new are Labour’s SEND reform plans?
This week the government unveiled its proposals to change special educational needs support. But many people looking at its plans have pointed to similarities with the old, pre-2014 system
1 in 5 school support staff thinking of leaving sector
Dissatisfaction with pay is the most common reason why support staff are considering walking away, according to evidence submitted to new pay award body
Schools White Paper: when will the plans be delivered?
Tes sets out the timeline for key reforms included in this week’s schools White Paper and associated plans to overhaul the SEND system
Maternity pay increase is a step in the right direction
Teachers are being failed by the current maternity pay entitlement, writes Helena Marsh, so the government’s announcement of an increase must be welcomed
Local authorities ‘actively’ exploring opening school trusts
The schools White Paper said councils will get the power to form multi-academy trusts – while some have plans in the works, others have already ruled this out
Can Labour put all schools into trusts?
The government’s schools White Paper sets out a goal for full academisation – but Tes analysis suggests that it would take decades to turn this into reality
SEND reform plans ‘risk overwhelming Sendcos’
Experts voice fears about the proposed new duty on schools to produce a statutory support plan for every pupil with SEND
