coronavirus | Schools Week

Calls to end BBC’s lockdown lessons will hit poor hardest

The BBC is under pressure to axe access to its home-learning lessons – used by millions of children during the coronavirus crisis – over fears they will squeeze commercial curriculum providers out of the market. The British Educational Suppliers Association is seeking written assurances that the national broadcaster will wind down its beefed-up education offerings […]

Criticism of home-learning ‘unhelpful’, says Spielman

Ofsted’s chief inspector has said it is “profoundly disappointing” to see commentators trying to “polarise” the back-to-school debate by “portraying teachers in a negative light”. Teachers’ safety concerns about returning to the classroom have prompted criticism from national newspaper columnists and some politicians. Writing for Schools Week, Amanda Spielman said it was “very clear to […]

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 […]

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: Attainment gap could widen by 75%, DfE official warns

The attainment gap between disadvantaged children and their better-off peers could widen by as much as 75 per cent because of the coronavirus outbreak, a senior Department for Education official has warned. Vicki Stewart, the deputy director of the DfE’s pupil premium and school food division, told a Westminster Education Forum event on Wednesday that […]

Revealed: Edenred sued government over tender-free contract

The under-fire company that runs the national free meal voucher scheme took legal action against the government almost six years ago for issuing a contract to a rival without a tender. Schools Week revealed the government’s contract with Edenred – valued at up to £234 million – was awarded without going to tender under emergency […]