Highlights of the week ending 10 December
Ofsted published its annual report this week. Findings included nearly all children falling behind, despite the best efforts of the sector. The inspectorate recommends that schools offer a rounded experience to students, and not focus simply on bridging the learning gap.
The Secretary of State launched the new attendance alliance. Consisting of Ofsted, Children’s Commissioner, school groups, unions, and others, the members pledged to follow and share best practice to improve school attendance.
New research of teachers, undertaken by Teach First, has highlighted the damaging impact of the digital divide on attainment in the most disadvantaged schools.
On appointments, Ian Bauckham has been named as Chair of Ofqual. He has held the position of Interim Chair of Ofqual since January and will start his three-year position as permanent Chair in the new year. And Labour has completed the changes to its education team. Helen Hayes is the new Shadow Minister for Children and Early Years and Stephen Morgan takes up the post of Shadow Minister for Schools.