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Daily News Summary
28 April 2021

Coronavirus: Children 'having difficulty communicating' after lockdown
Exams 2021: Ofqual to collect grading samples from all schools
'School shake-up' needed to improve pupils' speaking skills
Think tank calls for CPD entitlement policy in schools
Education secretary to announce 'try before you buy' offer for schools joining academy trusts
'We want to see T-levels rolled out beyond the borders of England'

Coronavirus: Children 'having difficulty communicating' after lockdown

 

According to a report by the Education Endowment Foundation, more than 90 per cent of primary schools say children who missed out on social interactions during lockdown are now struggling with speech issues. By Lizzie Roberts, The Telegraph.

A report by GL Assessment has concluded that children's reading ability "does not appear to have been significantly affected by the disruption caused by the pandemic". By Catherine Lough, Tes.

Tes reports more than half of pupils enrolled on the National Tutoring Programme are yet to start their sessions. By Amy Gibbons.

The latest figures from the Department for Education show that attendance in state primary schools has returned to pre-pandemic levels. By Freddie Whittaker, Schools Week.

The Labour Party is calling for all pupils in England to receive free "catch-up" breakfasts as part of the education recovery programme. By Will Hazell, iNews.

The Telegraph outlines practical steps parents can take to help children affected by the pandemic. By Tanith Carey. The article quotes Sophie Mazaz, middle school principal at ACS International School Egham.

 

Exams 2021: Ofqual to collect grading samples from all schools

 

Ofqual has confirmed that all schools will be required to submit samples of student work as evidence for this year's GCSE and A-level grades, prompting criticism from education union leaders. By Catherine Lough, Tes.

Sally Dicketts, chief executive of Activate Learning, considers whether GCSEs should be replaced with "a more holistic approach" to assessment. Tes.

 

'School shake-up' needed to improve pupils' speaking skills

 

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Oracy has warned that pupils' vocabulary and speaking skills have declined as a result of the overemphasis on phonics, literacy and numeracy in schools. By Nicola Woolcock, The Times.

 
The Times

Think tank calls for CPD entitlement policy in schools

 

According to the Education Policy Institute, giving teachers a formal entitlement to 35 hours of CPD training could boost pupil attainment by two-thirds of a GCSE grade and improve teacher retention. By Samantha Booth, Schools Week.

 
Schools Week

Education secretary to announce 'try before you buy' offer for schools joining academy trusts

 

According to The Times, schools will be able to form partnerships with academy trusts for up to 18 months, as part of a trial period set to be announced by Gavin Williamson. By Nicola Woolcock.

 
The Times

'We want to see T-levels rolled out beyond the borders of England'

 

Education secretary Gavin Williamson has said the Government hopes to offer T-levels internationally in the future, adding the biggest challenge is the "sheer capacity within businesses" at the moment. By Kate Parker, Tes.

 
Tes

 

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