News

Overruled: DfE’s sweeping Coronavirus powers force trust into early Christmas holiday U-turn

An academy trust has been forced by the government to ditch its intention to close early for Christmas –...

John Dickens
John Dickens
News

Trust ordered to scrap extended Christmas holiday, or face ‘action’ from ministers

A regional schools commissioner has told a trust she “can not support” its decision to close early for Christmas,...

John Dickens
John Dickens
News

Academy trust’s 15 schools to close one week early for Xmas to ‘protect precious family time together’

An academy trust with 15 schools in the North West will close a week early for Christmas to “safeguard...

John Dickens
John Dickens
News

Spielman rules out ‘inspection frenzy’, suggesting ‘gradual’ Ofsted restart

The Ofsted chief inspector has ruled out an “inspection frenzy” when normal business for the watchdog is resumed, suggesting...

John Dickens
John Dickens
News

Williamson: Time to plan for Ofsted return, but inspection results must be ‘fair’

Gavin Williamson has tentatively signalled the government is looking to restart Ofsted inspections next year, but has pledged an...

John Dickens
John Dickens
News

Fund mentoring and CPD for heads to stop ‘post-Covid exodus’, commission warns DfE

Early career teacher support reforms, such as increased mentoring and professional development, should be rolled out to encompass school...

John Dickens
John Dickens
News

Order long-life food to minimise Brexit disruption, DfE tells schools

Schools have been advised by the government to consider buying longer shelf life food products to “minimise the effect”...

John Dickens
John Dickens
News

Daily check-ins and four hours’ work a day – DfE to update remote learning expectations

Schools should provide four hours of work a day for self-isolating pupils, with teachers expected to check in daily...

John Dickens
John Dickens
News

DfE to consult on post-qualification admissions as Williamson signals ‘radical change’

Education secretary Gavin Williamson has signalled plans to “radically change” the university admissions system which is “letting down” the brightest...

John Dickens
John Dickens