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Daily News Summary
3 May 2024

Bancroft's School praises Daniel Anjorin’s ‘positive and gentle’ character
School stabbings prompt reassessment of safety across Wales
The trusts pioneering state-run independent SEND schools
Schools swap Christian worship for mindfulness, investigation reveals
Children's commissioner shares education goals - informed by children themselves

Bancroft's School praises Daniel Anjorin’s ‘positive and gentle’ character

 

Daniel Anjorin, the 14-year-old boy tragically killed in the sword attacks in east London on Tuesday, has been remembered by his school for his intellect, kindness, and exceptional talent in football. In a statement, Bancroft's School told of the devastation felt by pupils, staff and former students. “This has left us in profound shock and sorrow,” it said. “Daniel joined Bancroft’s at seven years old and quickly became a core member of our community. He was a true scholar, demonstrating commendable dedication to his academic pursuits. His positive nature and gentle character will leave a lasting impact on us. Losing such a young pupil is something we will always struggle to come to terms with. We are now doing all we can to support our entire community through this most painful situation.” By Vikram Dodd, Rachel Hall and Jamie Grierson, The Guardian.

 
The Guardian

School stabbings prompt reassessment of safety across Wales

 

Safety procedures at schools in Wales are being reviewed after two teachers and a pupil were stabbed last week. Councils throughout the country have contacted headteachers urging them to check emergency procedures are up to date in the wake of the incident. By Nick Bourne and Rowenna Hoskin, BBC News.

 
BBC

The trusts pioneering state-run independent SEND schools

 

Leaders from The Beckmead Trust and Discovery Schools Academies Trust that are pioneering new state-run, independent schools for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have spoken to Schools Week about their plans, saying if they “get it right, we could save the sector millions”. The paper looks at how the trusts are proposing to establish independent SEND provision and outlines their aims, which include creating some "space and budget for the sector to start to heal". Reference is also made to a £20 million procurement exercise in Wiltshire, where the council will open a 60-place independent special school for children with social, emotional and mental health needs this autumn. By Samantha Booth. 

 
Schools Week

Schools swap Christian worship for mindfulness, investigation reveals

 

A Schools Week investigation has found that 70 schools have been granted exemptions from the legal requirement to provide Christian worship since 2018, with teachers opting instead to teach pupils about "looking after the planet" and mindfulness. Paul Smalley, executive assistant to the chair of the National Association of Standing Advisory Councils on RE, has called for the government to take a "fresh look" at the legislation and the guidance around collective worship. By Lucas Cumiskey.

 
Schools Week

Children's commissioner shares education goals - informed by children themselves

 

Writing in Schools Week, children's commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza outlines five key education-focused areas from The Big Ambition survey, which sets out a vision for transforming childhood that has come directly from children themselves. Dame Rachel details the priorities she would like to see tackled urgently, including better support for SEND and tackling child poverty.

 
Schools Week

 

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