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Daily News Summary
18 November 2020

Coronavirus: Figures show almost two thirds of schools have pupils self-isolating
Exams 2021: 'Proposals to establish alternative assessments are unrealistic'
'Poor parenting among white working class families contributes to low aspirations'
Findings suggest more than half of teachers have taught homeless children in the last three years
Marcus Rashford launches book club for disadvantaged children
Report reveals increase in the number of state-educated Who's Who entries

Coronavirus: Figures show almost two thirds of schools have pupils self-isolating

 

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, has warned that schools are operating a "chaotic rota system by default", as new figures reveal 64 per cent of all secondaries in England sent at least one pupil home last week. By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph.

Dominic Herrington, the national schools commissioner, has acknowledged there is an "ongoing and considerable challenge" in keeping all schools open for pupils. By John Roberts, Tes.

According to a poll by the National Association of Head Teachers, 47 per cent of heads say they are considering leaving their jobs after the pandemic. By Sally Weale, The Guardian.

Schools Week reports the Government is set to publish updated guidance advising schools to provide four hours of learning a day to self-isolating pupils, with teachers expected to conduct daily check-ins with every child. By John Dickens.

Colin Baty, head of Bedales Prep School, Dunhurst, writes in The Telegraph reflecting on the school's outdoor learning provision, arguing this is particularly valuable during the pandemic.

 

Exams 2021: 'Proposals to establish alternative assessments are unrealistic'

 

Fionnuala Kennedy, head of Wimbledon High School, writes to The Times arguing cancelling exams next year would "simply cause more turbulence and anxiety" for students and staff.

 
The Times

'Poor parenting among white working class families contributes to low aspirations'

 

Helena Mills, chief executive at BMAT Education, has told MPs on the Education Select Committee that many families in deprived white communities have a "disregard for education" and are less likely to encourage their children to work hard at school. By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph.

 
The Telegraph

Findings suggest more than half of teachers have taught homeless children in the last three years

 

According to a report from homeless charity Shelter, 56 per cent of teachers have taught children whose attainment and wellbeing were affected by their living situation. By Sam Hancock, The Independent.

 
The Independent

Marcus Rashford launches book club for disadvantaged children

 

Footballer and campaigner Marcus Rashford is partnering with the publisher Macmillan to launch a book club designed to help more children discover the "escapism" of reading. By Emma Yeomans, The Times.

 
The Times

Report reveals increase in the number of state-educated Who's Who entries

 

The Telegraph reports the percentage of state-educated entries in Who's Who has risen to 39 per cent, up from 21 per cent. By Camilla Turner. The article quotes Barnaby Lenon, chairman of the ISC.

 
The Telegraph

 

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