Covid

One in four pupils were persistently absent in autumn 2021

Changes to isolation rules reduced Covid-related absence, but illness drove a rise in other absences

Freddie Whittaker
Freddie Whittaker
Covid

Williamson provided wine and mince pies for DfE lockdown Xmas party

Sue Gray report finds 50 staff were invited to the 'festive drinks' - organised days in advance

Samantha Booth
Samantha Booth
Covid, Schools

Another procurement legal row emerges as DfE ‘under stress’

At least three major outsourcing contracts from the DfE have been at the centre of legal challenges

Samantha Booth
Samantha Booth
Covid

Reception pupils falling behind after pandemic, warns EEF

Experts warn of 'particularly concerning' drop in early years development

James Carr
James Carr
Covid

Covid inquiry chair wants to investigate impact on children

The UK’s public Covid inquiry chair wants to expand her remit to investigate how children and young people were...

Samantha Booth
Samantha Booth
Covid

Half of pupils kept wearing masks after January guidance change

Most secondary pupils felt face coverings should be mandatory

Freddie Whittaker
Freddie Whittaker
Covid

‘Sorry if I caused offence’, says MP who claimed teachers broke lockdown rules

In a letter to heads, Michael Fabricant admits 'error' in implying lockdown drinks were 'general practice' among school staff

Freddie Whittaker
Freddie Whittaker
Covid

SATs: No ‘special consideration’ for Covid disruption

Special consideration will not apply when a key stage 2 pupil 'has been affected by illness or other issues...

James Carr
James Carr
Covid, Exams

Heads plan Covid isolation rooms so symptomatic kids can take exams

‘Ambiguous’ guidance leaves leaders playing Covid guessing game as tests return

James Carr
James Carr