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Daily News Summary
16 September 2021

Coronavirus: Guidance issued to schools amid concerns over anti-vax protests
Nadhim Zahawi appointed as new education secretary
'What TAGs taught us about assessment bias'
'How to plan for the cost of an independent education'
'Children need the tools to tackle the climate crisis'
DfE launches new cyber security tool for schools
No requirement to run additional assessments if exams in Scotland are cancelled, says SQA
University of York offers some students accommodation almost 50 miles away

Coronavirus: Guidance issued to schools amid concerns over anti-vax protests

 

The UK Health Security Agency has issued guidance to headteachers advising them to contact their School Aged Immunisation Service provider, local authority and police contacts if anti-vax campaigners protest outside the school gates. By Lizzie Roberts, The Telegraph.

According to government guidelines published yesterday, healthcare staff can decide whether children receive a COVID vaccine without parental consent. By Richard Adams, The Guardian.

The Independent reports anti-vax groups are circulating a letter threatening headteachers with legal action if children are given COVID jabs at school without parental consent. By Zoe Tidman.

According to iNews, thousands of teenagers are being targeted with COVID misinformation leaflets. By Ruchira Sharma.

Writing in iNews, an anonymous teacher says they hope the rollout of COVID vaccines for teenagers will enable students to "see school as a safe haven again, rather than a place of potential danger".

 

Nadhim Zahawi appointed as new education secretary

 

Nadhim Zahawi has replaced Gavin Williamson as education secretary in the Cabinet reshuffle. BBC News.

Mr Zahawi has released a statement pledging to listen to children and their families "as we accelerate our work to build back better and fairer". By John Dickens, Schools Week.

The Telegraph reports Nadhim Zahawi was selected for the role for his work in organising "a triumphant vaccine rollout". By Harry de Quetteville.

Schools Week summarises 12 facts about the new education secretary. By Freddie Whittaker.

Conservative MP Nick Gibb has confirmed he will be leaving his role as schools minister following the reshuffle. By John Roberts, Tes.

 

'What TAGs taught us about assessment bias'

 

Grainne Hallahan writes in Tes exploring the issue of unconscious bias, particularly in relation to the use of teacher-assessed grades (TAGs).

 
Tes

'How to plan for the cost of an independent education'

 

Charles Calkin, a financial planner at James Hambro & Partners, writes in the Financial Times offering advice to parents on how to save for an independent education.

 
Financial Times

'Children need the tools to tackle the climate crisis'

 

Zoe Williams writes in The Guardian reflecting on the climate crisis, arguing: "You cannot educate a generation on the dangers posed to them without giving them the political tools to respond."

 
The Guardian

DfE launches new cyber security tool for schools

 

The Department for Education (DfE) has developed a free and anonymous self-assessment tool which enables schools to assess their cyber security measures using a grading system. By James Carr, Schools Week.

 
Schools Week

No requirement to run additional assessments if exams in Scotland are cancelled, says SQA

 

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has reassured teachers, lecturers and students that there will be no requirement to run additional assessments this year if COVID disruption leads to the cancellation of exams. By Emma Seith, Tes.

 
Tes

University of York offers some students accommodation almost 50 miles away

 

The Independent reports 150 undergraduates who missed out on halls at the University of York have been offered rooms in Hull, almost 50 miles away. By Colin Drury.

 
The Independent

 

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