Highlights of the week ending 21 January
As the Government announced an end to “Plan B” and mandatory mask wearing, Secretary of State, Nadhim Zahawi, has been accused of micromanagement by teaching unions for wanting to vet plans to bring back masks in classrooms. Local health leaders must consult him, should they wish to reintroduce masks in their area. Over 100 schools have said that they will continue the need for masks in lessons.
The other big news from Parliament was the defection of Bury South MP, Christian Wakeford from the Conservatives to Labour. Mr Wakeford is (for now at least) a member of the Education Committee, and the chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for T Levels.
The Office for Students has published plans to take action against poor quality courses provided by universities and colleges. This could result in fines and restricted access to Student Loan funding. The OfS has also launched a consultation on a new approach to regulating student outcomes.
Finally, a petition on the UK Government’s petition website calling for the protection of student choice petition and a reversal of the decision to defund many BTEC qualifications has passed 100,000 signatories. This means that it will be considered for debate by Parliament. The petition forms part of the “Protect Student Choice” campaign, led by the Sixth Form Colleges Association.