In the news: your weekly round-up

Top stories

SEND and alternative provision improvement plan published by DfE, 3 years after SEND review originally launched. Government’s plans for reform include national SEND standards, new measures for accountability, and a trial of digital education, health and care (EHC) plans [GOV.UK and Schools Week]. Read about governors’ duty to support pupils with SEND and the legislation involved.

Proportion of pupils offered a place at their first choice of secondary school falls. Research also shows that few schools who set their own admissions arrangements are prioritising disadvantaged pupils [The Telegraph - registration required and Schools Week]. Read about how to review your admissions policy and what your school’s requirements are.

Gender pay gap in education reaches 22.2%, new data suggests. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) calculates women in education effectively work 81 days a year “for free”, with education the second-worst sector for pay equality [Tes Magazine - registration required]. Remind yourself of the rules around gender pay gap reporting.

This week’s headlines

• New support staff pay offer worth £2,000 made by the National Employers for local government service [Schools Week]
• Pupil absence levels fail to recover to pre-COVID levels, new data shows [BBC News]
• Proposed summer strike dates will avoid exams, assures NEU [Tes Magazine - registration required]
• Initial Teacher Training (ITT) applications fall 37% from last year [Tes Magazine - registration required]
• Rising costs forcing majority of schools to cut spending, DfE finds [Schools Week]
• Only 2% of GCSE pupils are studying works by female authors [The Guardian - free registration required]
• Parents of vulnerable pupils waiting a year to challenge councils on SEND support refusals [Schools Week]

Dates for next week

Monday 6 March - Holi

Monday 6 March - Purim

Wednesday 8 March - International Women’s Day

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