In the news: your weekly round-up

Top stories

Ofsted single-phrase judgements scrapped with immediate effect, ahead of a switch to new report cards next September. This announcement came before the outcome of the Ofsted ‘Big Listen’ consultation was published [Schools Week].  

Support from GovernorHub Knowledge: Find out what’s happening as a result of Ofsted’s ‘Big Listen’ and stay up to date with all things Ofsted. 

Spending on mental health support teams (MHSTs) in schools saves more money than it costs within 2 years. Researchers at the London School of Economics (LSE) are recommending that teams are implemented across the country, alongside structured wellbeing lessons in schools [Tes Magazine - subscription required]. 

Support from GovernorHub Knowledge: Understand your role in wellbeing initiatives. Get an idea of what they look like in practice and see how other boards monitor their impact.

Number of suspensions and exclusions up by a 5th in the past year, according to analysis of live attendance data. New report raises concerns about councils spending increasing amounts of money on educating pupils in under-regulated alternative provision [The Guardian]. 

Support from GovernorHub Knowledge: Find out how to fulfil your role in promoting good behaviour as part of a whole-school approach. Help support a positive behaviour culture and find questions to ask to monitor behaviour in your school.

This week's headlines

Schools Week

• New AI lesson planner unveiled by Oak National Academy
• New expert group formed to help prevent children from “losing learning” due to unauthorised absence and exclusions
• Education secretary meets with unions to plan new 'partnership' model
• Ofsted names group of external advisors ahead of period of change
• Gilbert review published: Ofsted “defensive and complacent” following head's death

Tes Magazine – registration required

• Heads call for transparency and communication when creating new Ofsted framework
• Most schools worried about internal truancy, new poll finds
• English GCSE not fit for purpose, according to exam board
• Maths education system in need of reform across all phases, highlights new report
• Attainment gap worsened by school admissions policies
• Bridget Phillipson calls for support for teachers after national riots
• Pause in regional advisory meetings leads to academy transparency fears
• Curriculum and assessment review panel members announced by the DfE

BBC News

• Schools with RAAC will feel the financial impact for “years to come”
• New Ofsted school grades will not confuse parents/carers, according to prime minister

GOV.UK

• 'Big Listen' consultation response published

The Guardian

• Parents/carers increasingly being put under pressure to fund school essentials
• Fears for 'lockdown babies' as they start school
• Branded UK school uniforms cost more than double high-street prices, according to research by the Children’s Society

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