Ofsted declines 1 in 5 deferral requests despite government advice But data suggests two thirds of schools did not request a deferral
‘Epidemic of anxiety’: Special schools feel brunt of Omicron surge Special schools battle higher rates of staff and pupil absence
Ofsted inspector ranks reduced by 86% as leaders told to focus on school roles The change means far fewer schools will be visited for inspection in the coming weeks
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 extends Covid workforce fund until Feb half-term The scheme was reintroduced last month amid rising rates
Second jabs planned in schools from January 10 Every school will receive second-dose sessions by half-term, even as more than half 12-15-year-olds remain unvaccinated
DfE launches ‘marketplace’ for schools to buy Covid air purifiers It would cost schools at least £5,900 to fund one unit in every classroom
Schools targeted by scam NHS emails offering Omicron PCR tests The DfE is urging schools to be vigilant about fake NHS emails urging readers to order tests ‘to avoid restrictions’