Writing in The Telegraph, freelance journalist Bobby Angelov outlines why he disagrees with Labour's proposal to impose VAT on independent school fees, arguing that "this policy is one built purely on greed". Reflecting on his own experience of having attended an independent school on an academic scholarship, Mr Angelov writes: "The independent sector is where aspiration and talent are valued – it’s where I got to play cricket on some beautiful pitches, learned to be independent, be disciplined, and have respect for others." He raises concerns over the potential impact the policy could have on children of service personnel, and warns that "unless [Labour] backtracks, independent schools will soon truly only be for the 'ultra-rich'”. Chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC) Julie Robinson is quoted, saying there is an "urgent" need for Labour to clarify its policy. The article is accompanied by a graph indicating how much fees could rise by should Labour's policy come into effect. A number of schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations are mentioned.

Earlier this week, Ms Robinson took part in an online debate organised by the Chartered Institute of Taxation and the Institute for Fiscal Studies. A number of tax and education experts took part in the discussion, which centred on whether VAT should be charged on independent school fees. 

During a House of Lords debate on the subject of children and young people in local authority care, Lord Lexden, president of the Independent Schools Association, commended the work being undertaken to enable more children to find places at boarding schools in the UK. Highlighting the depth of partnership work taking place between the state and independent sectors, Lord Lexden said: "It is important to remember that there are number of fine boarding schools in the state sector of education... this is a time of ever-increasing collaboration between schools in the two sectors. Huge encouragement is to be drawn from the enthusiasm with which, to a greater extent than ever before, they are working together to their mutual benefit, and our country’s gain." Lord Lexden also spoke of the "life-changing" opportunities offered by boarding schools and noted recent research from Nottingham University, which estimated the significant savings made by boarding schools to the public purse. In conclusion, he said: "Can there possibly be any argument against expanding these cost-effective, life-changing opportunities for children in care?" Hansard. 

Approximately 85,000 additional childminder and nursery places are needed in England for the expansion of government-funded hours for pre-schoolers, according to the Department for Education (DfE). DfE officials have also said 40,000 more staff will need to be recruited by autumn 2025. By Vanessa Clarke, BBC News.

Parents could receive alerts if their children search for disturbing content on phones, under plans being considered by the government. The proposal is expected to be included in a ministerial consultation on smartphones and social media, which will be published this month. By Mark Sellman, The Times. 

Using football kickabouts as part of intensive mentoring for pupils at risk of exclusion can significantly enhance wellbeing, increasing happiness equivalent to an unemployed adult securing a job, according to a study by charity Football Beyond Borders. The results have caught the attention of Lord O’Donnell, a former head of the civil service, who is lobbying Sir Keir Starmer to measure all policy choices by their impact on wellbeing if Labour comes to power. By Robert Booth, The Guardian.

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