Consider ‘combining classes’ to keep pupils in school, DfE tells leaders New guidance urges ‘flexible’ use of all staff to ‘ensure settings remain open’ amid Omicron disruption
Trusts rack up £3bn surplus, and 6 more academy sector accounts findings The report reveals rising reserves, more spending rule breaches and more trusts under scrutiny over high pay
Covid savings fuel record turnaround in maintained school finances Lower energy and exam costs saved schools millions during lockdowns
Masks back in class at Oasis schools as other trusts weigh similar move Oasis said other academy trusts were also considering going beyond DfE guidance to tackle Omicron
DfE looks to ex-teachers to fill Covid staffing gaps Leaders also asked to ‘use their own networks to encourage sign-up’
Fines for school absence plummet by 86 per cent The government wants councils and schools to ramp up enforcement
DfE extends Covid workforce fund until Feb half-term The scheme was reintroduced last month amid rising rates
Teachers urged to get booster jabs, as schools given ‘flexibility’ for January return PM also revealed 12- to 15-year-olds can book in second jabs from Monday
School apologises for ‘awful’ Xmas lunch after suffering Covid staff shortages Steyning Grammar praised for refunding parents in latest social media storm over school meals