THIS WEEK
14-20 APRIL 2012
SATURDAY
Behind the times
Newspapers reported that schools excluding pupils against the advice of appeals panels will have to pay a #163;4,000 levy. The news came a mere six weeks after the story was reported in TES ... Get your news here first.
SUNDAY
Donation cap will prove taxing
Lord Harris, one of the UK’s biggest academy sponsors, warned that government plans to cap tax relief on charitable donations could harm schools. The universities of Oxford and Cambridge have also voiced concern.
MONDAY
Absent without leave
It’s time to crack down on truancy, according to Charlie Taylor, the government’s behaviour tsar. And the way to do it? Bigger fines for parents, with the money coming out of child benefit if they don’t cough up, apparently.
TUESDAY
Popular politics
Michael Gove’s reputation as a coalition golden boy took a knock when a poll for The Times revealed that he was the least popular of 10 prominent politicians - more unpopular even than George Osborne.
WEDNESDAY
Countdown to the games
Almost time to dust off the Union Jacks - there are just 100 days to go until what Lord Coe calls the greatest show on earth, and what the rest of us call the Olympics. What better way to spend your summer holidays.
THURSDAY
Double-check the lifeboats
The Titanic memorial cruise - strictly for those who don’t believe in fate - was due to dock in New York after crossing the Atlantic to mark the 100th anniversary of the disaster that claimed more than 1,500 lives.
FRIDAY
A picture of health
The final day of the Annual National Child Health Conference takes place today. The get-together in Telford will focus on improving the health and well-being of preschool children and their families.
NEXT WEEK
21-27 APRIL 2012
SATURDAY
Crime in a cold climate
When The Killing was screened last year, critics fell over themselves to praise the Danish crime drama. Now it’s the turn of SwedishDanish series The Bridge, which is due to start on BBC Four.
SUNDAY
26.2 miles of pain and glory
After months of gruelling training, more than 30,000 people will be donning their trainers for the London Marathon. Expect the usual mix of elite athletes and charity fund-raisers in banana costumes and diving outfits.
MONDAY
School for all
The Global Action Week for education is under way. More than 200 million children under the age of five - most in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa - miss out on basic schooling, the campaign says.
TUESDAY
Fees on the agenda
It’s rabble-rousing time for university students. The National Union of Students holds its annual gathering to discuss student welfare and debt - its last conference before tuition fees are hiked to up to #163;9,000 a year.
WEDNESDAY
In one door; out the other
Nottingham teachers have only been back from the Easter holidays for just over a week, but are due to walk out for the second time this term over plans to change their holidays. They oppose a shift to a five-term year.
THURSDAY
Moving pictures
Free, autism-friendly screenings of Disney’s The Muppets will be held for schoolchildren across the country. The special screenings will leave lights on low and allow people to move around the cinema.
FRIDAY
Conference Consternation
It’s the turn of Welsh teachers to get angry about changes to pay and pensions as Welsh-medium union UCAC holds its annual conference in Cardiff. There’s been no welcome here for the coalition’s proposals.
