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19 April 2026

Author: Schools Week Reporter

Thousands of pounds raised for Derby school devastated in arson attack

A school has launched a heart-felt plea for donations to replace thousands of pounds worth of new books that were destroyed in a devastating arson attack. Ravensdale Infant School was one of two schools in Derby deliberately set alight within 48 hours earlier this month, prompting fresh calls for sprinklers to be installed in new […]

Renewed calls for mandatory sprinklers after schools destroyed

Fire chiefs are again calling for sprinklers to be made mandatory for new and refurbished schools after two devastating fires over the weekend. Two schools in Derbyshire were left severely damaged from the blazes, with Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service saying neither had sprinklers fitted. The pupils are now being educated remotely while the council […]

No free laptops for schools with fewer than 15 self-isolating pupils

A school that is limiting attendance by operating a rota model or that has fewer than 15 children self-isolating with covid-19 symptoms cannot access free laptops or devices from the government. The Department for Education has published updated guidance today which explains how a school can access technology to support disadvantaged children who are “otherwise […]

Outstanding schools set for Ofsted inspections next year – but may face 6-year wait

Outstanding schools are set to be inspected again when Ofsted inspections resume next year – but it will now take up to six years to get through them all. The government has published its response to the consultation on removing the inspection exemption for the top-rated schools. It was introduced by former education secretary Michael […]

MPs to look at ‘more active’ inspection role in new home education inquiry

MPs have launched an inquiry into home learning which will include looking at the role inspections should play in the future regulation of home educating. The education select committee has announced today it will be investigating how home-educated children are being supported in their learning and also looking at the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has […]

Catch-up funding could be nearly ‘wiped out’ by Covid safety costs, warns ASCL

Funding for pupil catch-up support could be nearly “wiped out” by the costs schools face in making their sites safe, a leaders’ union has warned. The government has so far refused to reimburse schools for the cost of preventative measures, despite insisting on increased cleaning and efforts to keep protective “bubbles” apart. ASCL is urging […]

NFER finds Covid effect could eradicate most teacher shortfalls, but heads urge caution

Teacher recruitment shortfalls in most subjects look set to be eradicated because of the Covid-19 pandemic, a new report has predicted. But headteachers have warned that any boost to recruitment could be shortlived. Research by the National Foundation for Educational Research predicted that increased recruitment, coupled with higher retention rates, could close gaps in shortage […]

HSE spot check call handlers are not health and safety experts

Spot checkers calling to review schools’ covid procedures are not health and safety experts. Schools Week understands this has heightened unions’ concerns that the calls are going to put additional strain on school staff during coronavirus. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is carrying out spot checks over the phone to review school’s measures taken […]