ISC Daily News Summary

The Independent reports a number of schools are preparing online learning resources for pupils to work from at home, should the outbreak of coronavirus worsen and force schools to close. By Eleanor Busby. The article quotes Richard Cairns, headmaster of Brighton College, and Ian Phillips, chair of the Independent Schools Council’s Digital Strategy Group and director of computing ICT at Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School. The article also quotes Mark Steed, principal of Kellett School, the British International School in Hong Kong, which has been teaching pupils remotely since its closure in January.

A decision made yesterday by the Italian government means all schools and universities in the country are to close until mid-March. By Tom Kington, The Times. Meanwhile, schools in the United Arab Emirates will close for one month in order to prevent the spread of the disease. By Catherine Lough, Tes.

The Guardian reports teachers and pupils could be sent to alternative schools if their own is shut, under a series of emergency laws being drawn up by the government. By Heather Stewart.

Education leaders have released a letter calling for a “more joined up approach to the leaderships of schools”, following concern valuable expertise is being wasted. By James Carr, Schools Week.

As part of a debate on schoolchildren with dyslexia and neurodiverse conditions, Lord Lexden, president of the Independent Schools Association, highlighted that many independent schools are "giving very effective help and support" to children with learning difficulites. He referenced Maple Hayes Hall School, near Lichfield.

Independent Education Today reports an increasing number of schools are now using edtech to differentiate themselves in the international market. By Dr Mark Abell and Roger Bickerstaff, partners at Bird & Bird.

The prep school Thomas's Battersea, which is attended by Prince George and Princess Charlotte, is planning to expand after an increase in the number of applications. The Telegraph. The article references Kensington Park School, which also opened its doors to secondary pupils in September 2018.

Lord Lucas writes in Tes debating the issue of gender-neutral toilets. He argues that in schools the topic 'should be a conversation not an imposition' but, above all, it should be about keeping children safe.

A survey by the Incorporated Society of Musicians has revealed many music teachers are working for free as schools battle with "shrinking budgets". By Amy Gibbons, Tes.