ISC Daily News Summary

Coronavirus: School behaviour policies 'should include COVID-related offences'

Child welfare

According to new guidance from the Government, schools should update their behaviour policies to "make explicit what behaviours are now considered more serious due to the coronavirus outbreak". By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph.

Tes reports a group of academics is calling on the Government to revise its "incoherent" guidance for the reopening of schools. By Amy Gibbons.

The Government has released the dates for this autumn's exam series, with back-up A-level exams to take place in October, and GCSE exams scheduled for November. By Will Hazell, iNews.

According to findings from a Schools Week investigation, Ofqual's moderation process will not take into account rapid improvement made by schools this year, potentially lowering the grades of pupils in "turnaround" schools. By John Dickens.

George Vlachonikolis, head of economics at Headington School and former principal examiner (economics) for the WJEC exam board, compares this year's A-level exam results to Liverpool's performance in the Premier League. Tes.

Kirsty Williams, Wales' education minister, has said all state school pupils in Wales can be expected to return to classrooms in "contact groups" on 1 September. By Steven Morris, The Guardian.

A comment piece in The Telegraph argues independent schools have 'failed to share' enough online lessons with state schools. By Hattie Garlick.

Tes reports disadvantaged families could face mobile data charges of hundreds of pounds, as many educational websites are not free to access. By Amy Gibbons.

An article in Tes takes a closer look at guidance published by the National Association of Head Teachers, which advises schools on how to support children's mental health when they return in September. By Helen Amass.

Ofsted has confirmed special educational needs and disability (SEND) area inspections will not take place this autumn. By John Roberts, Tes.

According to new figures from Public Health England, there were more suspected cases of COVID-19 in educational settings than in care homes last week. By John Roberts, Tes.

This year's IB grading to be "scrutinised" by Ofqual

Examinations

Tes reports Ofqual has requested information from International Baccalaureate (IB) to ensure this year's grades 'have been delivered in line with the regulatory framework'. By Catherine Lough.

• Tes

Government to scrap 50% to university target

Higher education

Education secretary Gavin Williamson has confirmed the Government will scrap its commitment to have 50 per cent of young people in university, arguing higher education is "not always what the individual and nation needs". By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph.

• The Telegraph

Friday Feature: How schools are coming together to support their wider communities

And finally

The final instalment of the ISC's 'Friday Feature' series shines a light on the important work schools have been doing to support their wider communities and spread positivity during the pandemic.

• ISC