Highlights of the week ending 4 February
This week finally saw the publication of the much anticipated “Levelling Up” White Paper. A mixture of new policies and previously announced ones, the White Paper does not include any new spending commitments. As you would expect, education features prominently as Ministers look to tackle geographical disparities and close widening gaps. New missions aim at improving attainment at school, with “cold spots” receiving targeted help, and increasing numbers completing “high-quality” skills training. In outlining what levelling up means to him, Nadhim Zahawi said: “I want everyone to have a chance to see their potential flourish…It is everyone’s right to have a great, world-class education and schools have a key role to play in levelling up.” Reaction to the plans has been mixed, not least because of a lack of new spending promises.
The week began with Education questions from MPs. Topics covered included the adequacy of student finance, what DfE is doing to support young people into high quality jobs, SEND, and reading in schools.
DfE published its plans to create a register for children not in school, following consultation. It will also place a duty on Local Authorities to support home educating families.
In Wales, trials of a longer school day began. Ministers hope “that young people can gain in confidence and well-being from this approach, especially disadvantaged learners”. Whilst unions question the evidence to support extending the school day.
Susan Lapworth, currently Director of Regulation at the Office for Students, has been named its new interim Chief Executive. She takes over from Nicola Dandridge in May.