In the news: your weekly round-up

Top stories

Second round of strikes begin. Industrial action taken by the National Education Union (NEU) leads to school closures or partial closures, as ASCL joins other unions in planning ballots for the autumn term [BBC News]. Use our strike FAQs to remind yourself of your school’s requirements, rights and options on strike days.

Pupil mental health issues and anxiety leading to school absences, warn councils. Evidence submitted to the Commons education select committee also highlights reduced budgets for support staff needed to help pupils [The Guardian - free registration required]. Understand your role in helping to improve attendance in your school.

Applications for initial teacher training (ITT) fall, leading to concerns about shortages. Primary applications fall by a fifth, with unions warning educational outcomes may also fall as a result [Tes Magazine - registration required]. If your school finds itself needing to restructure for fewer teachers, read our tips on how you can support your headteacher through the process.

This week’s headlines

• New NEU-sponsored inquiry to consider proposals for school inspection reform [Tes Magazine - registration required]
• DfE publishes details of academy trust quality descriptors [Schools Week]
• Half of schools cutting school trips and outings, poll shows [The Guardian - free registration required]
• Confederation of School Trusts calls for DfE to reopen pay talks [Schools Week]
• Schools rated less than ‘good’ able to access falling roll fund as rules relax [Tes Magazine - registration required]
• DfE advises schools to use cost-cutters and plan for a range of teacher pay levels in funding webinar [Schools Week]
• One-third of post-pandemic tutoring funding unspent, data shows [BBC News]
• Return to pre-pandemic GCSE grading standards raises concerns, as pupil absences remain high [Tes Magazine - registration required]
• New report calls on teachers to help children choose more challenging books [Tes Magazine - registration required]
• Teacher training provider Teach First has contract extended for 2 more years [Schools Week]
• Temporary swimming pool scheme launched to boost swimming attainment rates [The Guardian - free registration required]

Dates for next week

Monday 1  May - May Day Bank Holiday

Tuesday 2 May - Key Stage 1 test period begins

Tuesday 2 May - World Asthma Day

Wednesday 3 May - Bike and Roll to School Day

Wednesday 3 May - World Press Freedom Day

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