Freddie Whittaker | Schools Week

Coronavirus: June 1 ‘too early’ for schools to reopen, says group of scientists

June 1 is “too early” for schools to reopen, a former government chief scientific adviser has said. Sir David King, who chairs the “Independent Sage” group of scientists, said that “by going ahead with this dangerous decision, the government is further risking the health of our communities and the likelihood of a second spike” It […]

The rebel councils: Government’s schools plan in doubt as 27 town halls raise safety concerns

The government’s determination to begin the phased return of pupils to England’s schools on June 1 looked in serious doubt this week after as many as 27 councils said the move threatened the safety of pupils and staff. Seven have advised schools not to allow more pupils back on the preferred date, while a further […]

Ofsted praises ‘outstanding’ UTC with 100% progression rate

A university technical college in Hull has been dubbed a “guiding light in the education sector” after being rated ‘outstanding’ in its first ever Ofsted inspection. Ron Dearing UTC, which opened in September 2017, received top grades across the board in a report published today that did not include one line of criticism. It becomes […]

Coronavirus: Secondaries ‘should plan work and check progress’ of homebound pupils, DfE tells parents

Secondary schools in England should be planning “achievable work” for pupils studying at home, as well as ways to give them feedback and check progress, the Department for Education has told parents. In what appears to be a stepping up of expectations on secondary schools, new guidance for parents and carers published today sets out […]

Coronavirus: Test, track and trace system ‘will be in place by June 1’ says Boris Johnson

The government’s test, track and trace system will be in place by June 1, Boris Johnson has said. Government scientists said yesterday that reopening schools was reliant on such a system being in place, following reports the scheme was delayed. Asked by opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer if the system would be in place by […]

Coronavirus: Track and trace system needed for schools to reopen, says government scientist

Ministers have been advised that changes to lockdown, including the reopening of schools, require a “highly-effective” track and trace system to be in place. Professor Dame Angela McLean, the government’s deputy chief scientific adviser, told today’s Downing Street briefing that scientists had been “very clear” that changes to social distancing measures needed to be based […]

Coronavirus: Final schools reopening decision ‘to be made on May 28’

Ministers will make the final decision on whether to press ahead with its schools reopening plan on May 28, a union leader has revealed. Geoff Barton (pictured above left), the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said the government will “review the latest science” next Thursday, and that the return of […]

Coronavirus: DfE publishes overview of scientific advice

The Department for Education has finally published an overview of the scientific advice it has received. The document, released today, summarises advice from the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) and its Children’s Task and Finish Working Group. However, it does not include evidence from SAGE or the sub-group, which is being published separately. […]

Coronavirus: NEU says questions remain after government scientific briefing

The National Education Union has said its questions about the safety of reopening schools have still not been addressed after a government scientific briefing. The union, which represents more than 400,000 teachers, leaders and support staff, said it was “pleased” with the meeting with government science and medical officers but that “very many questions that […]