Highlights of the week ending 16 June
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been high on the agenda this week, with the Department for Education launching a call for evidence regarding generative AI in education. This builds on DfE’s position paper on AI earlier in the year. Also announced, this time by Technology Secretary Chloe Smith, was a series of investments to develop trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI) research. Universities across the UK will receive £54 million investment in their work to develop cutting edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Meanwhile, the Lords Industry and Regulator Committee held the next session in its Work of the Office for Students inquiry, hearing from Skills Minister Robert Halfon MP and Anne Spinali, Director of Higher Education Reform and Funding at DfE on matters including the financial health of the Higher Education sector, and international students.
The week began with the monthly questions in the House of Commons to the education ministerial team. Topics included the ongoing industrial disputes across education, Local Skills Improvement Plans, support for those with Special Educational Needs, and technical education in secondary schools.
And whilst Ofsted announced changes to inspections, including changes to language and clarity around thresholds, the Education Select Committee detailed plans for its latest inquiry which will investigate Ofsted’s inspections of schools.
Finally, we also saw IFATE publish its plan to unite and simplify the skills system, and to improve access to training for businesses and people from all backgrounds.