Friday
Scotland’s per-pupil spend highest in UK, but effects unclear
Per-pupil funding for schools in Scotland this year is more than 18 per cent higher than in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, IFS research shows – largely because of early years investment
Revealed: the schools least visited by ministers
Since last January Department for Education ministers have been more likely to visit schools in France and Spain than in the South West of England, data seen by Tes reveals
Ofsted crisis: ‘Olive branch’ not enough to salvage trust
Ofsted chief Amanda Spielman seeks to address concerns over safeguarding judgements and the watchdog’s complaints process
Thursday
Gibb: Ofsted and DfE to ‘look at’ limiting judgements
Schools minister says the government and inspectorate would consider if limiting judgements on safeguarding are right approach after concern raised about schools being downgraded
Funding cut for disadvantaged pupils in Northern Ireland
Decision to scrap Extended Schools Programme has been described as ‘devastating’, and critics say Northern Ireland pupils’ education seems less valued than in the rest of the UK
Weekly round-up: New strike guidance and the 32.5-hour week
This week’s essential education news and analysis round-up includes new guidance for teacher strikes, heads voting on industrial action and calls for the DfE to ditch its plan for a minimum length of the school week
Suspensions up by nearly a quarter since pandemic
The number of suspensions being made by schools has jumped since the pandemic, but permanent exclusions are down, data shows
A third of schools not using catch-up cash
Schools minister urges all eligible schools to use National Tutoring Programme funding ‘as exam season approaches’, but heads’ leader warns that subsidy rules and tight budgets are preventing take-up
Heads to vote over strike action
The Association of School and College Leaders said today that it would ballot members over national strike action for the first time in its history
Want to improve attendance? Give parents a nudge
A pre-pandemic study showed that sending messages to parents about absence can drastically improve attendance. More research is now being planned and schools are being asked to get involved
Wednesday
Trust body urges DfE to delay 32.5-hour school week plan
Confederation of School Trusts voices concerns over government plan for minimum length of the school week that is expected to be adhered to from September
Just 23% of teachers would ‘certainly’ train to teach again
Teacher Tapp data suggests the cost-of-living crisis is causing many teachers to question their career choice
