ISC Daily News Summary

The government's plans to move more pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) into mainstream schools "will simply not meet their needs", a coalition of cross-party MPs, Lords and celebrities is to warn. The group has come together to warn ministers that their plans risk leaving a generation of vulnerable children without the specialist education and support they need. At the launch of the SEND Matters Coalition in Westminster later today, Conservative peer Lord Elliott of Mickle Fell will say that there will always be children whose needs cannot be met in a mainstream setting, no matter how much additional support is provided. By Albert Tait, The Telegraph. 

Universities that do not prevent students from cheating using artificial intelligence (AI) could be fined, the Office for Students (OfS) has warned. In its new report, the independent regulator of higher education in England said many universities were still using unsupervised assessments that students could complete "in just a few minutes" with AI chatbots, resulting in some students no longer engaging in learning. The organisation has published new guidance saying universities must ensure students are being assessed effectively and advising them to use more secure "AI-free" assessment methods. By Albert Tait, The Telegraph.

Following the closure of Leweston School last month, Liberal Democrat MPs Edward Morello and Wera Hobhouse have both signed an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons urging ministers to "promote the financial resilience of independent schools, including through a review of measures such as scrutiny of ownership, liquid capital, financial viability, early-warning requirements and minimum closure notice periods, so no school can close at such short notice without proper protections for pupils, families and staff". No amendments have yet been submitted to the motion. Hansard. 

In an interview with School Management Plus, Dr Chris Stevens, CEO of Clifton College Education Group and headmaster of Clifton College, reflects on the experiences that have shaped his career, from studying and teaching abroad to a recent stint working in India. Discussing the group's partnership with Lighthouse Learning, which will see Pathways School Gurgaon relaunched as PSG Clifton International School, he says the independent sector is "incredibly resilient" and highlights international partnerships as one way schools are adapting to change. By Irena Barker.

In a new blog for the ISC, Dr Will Van Reyk, director of innovation at St Paul's Girls' School, argues that mandatory artificial intelligence (AI) training for all school staff is essential to ensuring pupils are well prepared for the future. "AI touches every aspect of education, which is why it is such a challenge; that is also precisely the reason why no school can afford to leave it to a few members of staff," he writes.