According to The Telegraph, Labour’s plan to impose VAT on school fees has prompted a rise in primary school applications from independent school parents. The paper speaks to two teachers in the state system who outline their concerns over whether the funds raised will make any real difference. Michael Armitage, deputy head at Amesbury School, expresses worry for small independent prep schools like his, and warns "the state system is not ready for an influx". Reference is made to a survey by Independent Schools Council (ISC), which found that 20 per cent of parents would “definitely” withdraw their children from independent schools if Labour's tax policy came into effect. Shaun Fenton, head of Reigate Grammar School, is quoted, having told Times Radio that the policy "isn’t really going to raise any money and it’s not going to solve any education problems". Several schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations are mentioned in light of the financial pressures they are facing, with some having recently merged or closed altogether. By Anna Tyzack. 

Independent Schools Magazine features an interview with Maxine Shaw, head of Danes Hill School, in which she discusses the challenges of headship and what motivates her in the role. In response to the question "would the school survive if VAT were imposed on fees?", Ms Shaw says preparations are being made to minimise the fee uplift on parents. "I have educated some amazing children whose parents have really had to budget carefully to afford independent education", she explains. Referencing the sector more generally, she adds: "Very affluent parents will not be affected and those whose children access bursaries will also be able to continue to provide an independent education to their children, although with less schools operating, the number of bursaries available will also dwindle." Maxine Shaw has recently been elected to the board of the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS).

Children must no longer be taught they can be born in the wrong body, according to a coalition of more than 80 pressure groups and public figures. The group is backing calls for an end to the spread of “gender ideology” and the prescription of puberty blockers to young people by the NHS and private doctors. The campaigners also believe schools should not allow pupils to "socially transition" through changing names, pronouns and uniforms. By James Beal, The Times. 

The new consultation on the issue of mandatory reporting, as recommended by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), sets out a series of proposals for how it might work. Relevant professionals are being asked to share their views on several key areas of how the new requirement would be implemented and enforced. Tes answers some key questions for teachers, including who the framework will apply to and when the law will apply. The consultation is open until 30 November. By Luke Ramsden, Tes.

More than half of nursery staff are considering leaving their jobs in the next year, according to research by the Early Education and Childcare Coalition and the University of Leeds. The findings have prompted concerns that the government's new free childcare policy will be impossible to implement. By Maya Oppenheim, The Independent.

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) monitors the national and educational press in order to keep independent schools up-to-date with relevant education news. The DNS is a service primarily for schools in membership of ISC associations, although other interested parties can choose to sign-up. We endeavour to include relevant news and commentary and, wherever possible, notable public letters. Where capacity allows, we may include links to ISC blogs, press statements and information about school or association events. News stories are selected based on their relevance to the independent sector as a whole. Editorial control of the DNS remains solely with the ISC.

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