Coronavirus: Inquiry Launched into Impact of Coronavirus on Education
From ISC’s Daily News Summary Email:
Robert Halfon, chair of the Commons Education Select Committee, has launched a parliamentary inquiry to investigate the impact of cancelling exams and how teachers will be supported financially during the coronavirus pandemic. By Catherine Lough, Tes.
Education secretary Gavin Williamson has written a letter to schools thanking them for their "incredible resilience and flexibility" amid widespread disruption to education. Schools Week.
Julie Robinson, chief executive of the ISC, writes in Tes highlighting how the independent sector is already playing "a crucial part" in the national effort to tackle challenges brought on by the coronvirus outbreak. The article mentions Francis Holland School, Sloane Square and Trent College in Nottinghamshire.
The Telegraph reports a number of independent schools are considering offering discounts, fee freezes and more funding for bursaries following the coronavirus lockdown. By Harry Brennan. The article quotes Pam Hutley, headmistress at Hollygirt School, Julie Robinson, chief executive of the ISC, and a spokesman for the Independent Schools Association. A separate article in The Telegraph highlights the approaches several independent schools have taken with regard to their summer school fees. By Susie Mesure. The article quotes several staff members at schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations.
An article in The Independent explores how schools that are open are caring for their pupils' physical and mental wellbeing. By Eleanor Busby. The article quotes Matthew Loosemore, assistant head of The Maynard School.
Schools in England are being asked to donate science goggles and other protective equipment to frontline NHS staff who require face shields. By Sarah Marsh, The Guardian. A teacher at Lochaber High in the Highlands has used his school's 3D printer to produce protective visors for healthcare staff working with infected patients. By Marc Horne, The Times.
Headteachers have warned children eligible for free school meals could miss out as it becomes more difficult to deliver food parcels, amid calls for the Government to urgently provide schools with supermarket vouchers for those in need. By Eleanor Busby, The Independent.
The Government has confirmed the timeline for rolling out T-levels is being kept "under review". By Kate Parker, Tes.
Professor John Jerrim, of UCL's Institute of Education, has said the national reference test should be used to "validate" GCSE maths and English grades to minimise the potential for bias in teacher assessments. By Catherine Lough, Tes.
The Department for Education (DfE) has advised teacher training providers to make judgements on trainees "based on assessments already completed and each trainee's current trajectory of progress towards meeting the teachers' standards". By Freddie Whittaker, Schools Week. A separate article in Schools Weekhighlights new guidance advising governing bodies and boards of trustees to hold meetings remotely during the lockdown period. By Freddie Whittaker.
The Times reports Keir Bloomer, the chairman of the commission on school reform, has called for the recruitment of retired and trainee teachers to help support existing teachers with online learning. By Tom Eden.