Chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC) Julie Robinson has warned that Labour's plans to tax school fees could threaten the education of more than 95,000 children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). In an interview with The Telegraph in which she has called on Labour to broaden their potential tax levy to exempt more SEND children, Ms Robinson said: “Currently only children with the most severe or complex needs, who are covered by an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP)... will be exempt from the planned 20 per cent levy." Warning of the significant impact this could have on the state sector, Ms Robinson added: "If Labour don’t change their current approach to SEND pupils... it could create a perverse incentive for parents to seek out an EHCP which will be hugely costly for local authorities." By Elizabeth Ivens.

Telegraph View considers Labour's proposal to impose VAT on independent school fees, arguing that "it is a weapon designed to hurt, and shrink, a sector that is already suffering thanks to the country’s current high-tax, low-growth malaise". The Sunday Telegraph. 

The Financial Times reports that independent schools in England are aiming to attract more international students in anticipation of Labour's tax on school fees. Gareth Collier, principal of Cardiff Sixth Form College, told the paper that "diversifying outside of the UK is a sensible option". A number of schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations are mentioned, as is a spokesperson from the Boarding Schools' Association. By Anna Gross.

Hundreds of children with SEND in England have been waiting for a year or longer to access support amid increasing pressure on local authorities, a freedom of information request has revealed. In certain areas, children and young people have waited over two years to receive an EHCP detailing the support they need. By Richard Adams and Morgan Ofori, The Guardian.

Schools in England are to be issued with new guidance on prohibiting the use of mobile phones throughout the school day in an effort to minimise disruption and improve behaviour in classrooms. The Department for Education's (DfE) guidance, which applies to all maintained and independent schools, will also give teachers the power to search rucksacks and the legal protection from being sued by parents for loss or damage to confiscated devices. By Matt Dathan, The Times.

The Telegraph mentions Gordonstoun, which banned “addictive” mobile phones in classrooms amid fears about their impact on children’s brains. By Daniel Martin.

Schools Week provides a summary of the non-statutory guidance, which the DfE says will give "hard-working teachers the tools to take action". By Freddie Whittaker.

Schools of Thought, a new book written by Jane Lunnon (headteacher at Alleyn's School) and David James (deputy head at Lady Eleanor Holles School), asserts that girls flourish at single-sex schools because they can be taught to be more assertive in their careers, as well as excelling academically. A number of headteachers, including those at schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations, are quoted. By Nicola Woolcock, The Times. 

A worrying rise in sexual assaults on children by other children is being fuelled by access to a “toxic” online culture, Ian Critchley, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for child protection, has warned. Mr Critchley's comments come after an investigation by The Observer revealed a sharp increase in abuse by under-18s reported to police. By Michael Savage.

Most teachers believe that children’s financial education should begin in primary school, with more than three in four saying the majority of pupils leave school without the key financial skills needed for life, a YouGov survey for the Money and Pensions Service has found. The Telegraph.

New guidelines issued by the Scottish Qualifications Authority could see pupils lose their qualifications if it is discovered they have been using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their coursework. Although official coursework guidance has always clarified the consequences if pupils cheat, it now specifically addresses AI for the first time. By Jeremy Watson, The Times. 

The Sunday Times speaks to David Jones, a teacher and additional learning needs transition co-ordinator at Pembrokeshire College, who has helped many young people with autism and dyslexia. By Sian Griffiths. 

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