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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Omicron continues to dominate as ministers wrestle with its implications for the education sector. Education Select Committee Chair, Rob Halfon, asked an urgent question on school opening in January. Skills Minister, Alex Burghart reiterated the government’s commitment to keeping schools open and this was followed by Secretary of State, Nadhim Zahawi calling on retired teachers to help provide cover.
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.
