DfE had no plan for dealing with a pandemic, says critical report by MPs

The Department for Education had no plan for dealing with a pandemic and failed to set standards for remote learning during lockdown, leading to “unequal experiences” for many children, according to a critical report by MPs.

Parliament’s public accounts committee also said there was evidence that the government’s £1.7bn catch-up programme – designed to restore the learning lost during school closures – may not be connecting with many of the most disadvantaged children. The committee’s report describes the DfE as having “worthy aspirations but little specific detail”.

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20/11/24Medway education leader and head of Rivermead Inclusive Trust receives OBE from Prince William

An education boss, who left school without any basic qualifications and worked as a hospital cleaner to fund her teacher training, has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List. Tina Lovey, who rose through the ranks and is now the boss of a thriving academy trust with schools across Medway, was awarded an OBE by Prince William at Windsor Castle.

19/11/24Special Educational Needs system 'has burst'

Children with complex needs are being sent to private schools up to 200 miles away from home because there is not enough capacity in the state system, a BBC investigation has found. Councils struggling to cope with an unprecedented number of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are increasingly reliant upon private providers. Headteachers say funding from government has not kept pace with soaring demand, meaning both mainstream and special schools are struggling to cope.

13/11/24‘Excessive’ 20 hours mentor training requirement scrapped

The government will also launch a new re-accreditation round for initial teacher training providers in spring

12/11/24Majority of parents not deterred by fines for term-time family holidays – survey

The Government should review the marketing and pricing of ‘rip-off’ family holidays, according to Parentkind charity.

11/11/24Anti-Bullying Week 2024: Choose Respect

Anti-Bullying Week 2024 will take place from Monday 11th - Friday 15th November, with the theme: Choose Respect.