Policy Watch is our regular policy update service, covering national and international developments in the world of education. We try to keep things simple, sharing the latest news and information with you through weekly updates, monthly summaries, papers and events.
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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.
As the new COVID variant, omicron, dominates the news, education was once again central to debate around mask wearing. The government recommended that face coverings be worn in communal areas by staff and pupils in secondary schools, Further Education premises and Higher Education settings. Unions welcomed the move but also called for more support for the education sector in relation to the ongoing pandemic.
This week saw the DfE announce universities will be required to improve outcomes for disadvantaged children in their local schools and colleges, while also taking steps to widen access and setting targets to support HE students throughout their time at university. Michelle Donelan set out the new plans in a speech, which she said form part of the Government’s ambitions for levelling-up. The OfS announced John Blake as the new director for fair access and participation.
This week Nadhim Zahawi announced, during the Second Reading of the Skills and Post-16 Education Bill, that the Government’s level 3 reform timetable would be extended by a year, meaning no funding will be removed from qualifications overlapping with T Levels until 2024 at the earliest. Though this was welcomed, many also felt the extension did not go far enough. During the debate many MPs spoke in favour of retaining high quality Applied General and BTEC qualifications. The Secretary of State also announced relaxations relating to English and maths exist requirements for T Levels, in order to encourage more students to take the new qualifications.
The big news this week has been Ofqual’s publication of the contingency plans for 2022 exams. Following consultation, the regulator has outlined a number of its decisions which includes the potential for three assessment periods for centres should Teacher Assessed Grades be required again. For the most part processes will match those of 2021.
