Highlights of week ending 9 July 2021
Gavin Williamson confirmed this week that the Government would be lifting “swathes of [COVID-19 related] restrictions” across education settings as part of step 4 from 19 July. This includes ‘bubbles’ ending, social distancing no longer being necessary, and schools will not need to stagger start and finish times.
Schools Minister Nick Gibb launched a consultation on the Government’s approach to National Funding Formula (NFF) reforms, and announced a £10m scheme to boost pupils’ core skills. Children’s Minister Vicky Ford announced a new £24m regional fund for children’s social care, to tackle issues faced by vulnerable children.
The Education Committee endorsed Dr Jo Saxton for the role of Ofqual chief. Saxton, a former academy trust boss and policy adviser to Gavin Williamson, was quizzed by the committee on Tuesday.
The Lords began Committee Stage of the Skills and Post-16 Education Bill, with several amendments focussing the new Local Skills Improvement Plans proposals.
And in Wales the Government announced its legislative programme for the next year, including a new Bill on post-16 education and training.