ISC Daily News Summary

Robert Halfon, chair of the Commons Education Select Committee, has launched a parliamentary inquiry to investigate the impact of cancelling exams and how teachers will be supported financially during the coronavirus pandemic. By Catherine Lough, Tes.

Education secretary Gavin Williamson has written a letter to schools thanking them for their "incredible resilience and flexibility" amid widespread disruption to education. Schools Week.

Julie Robinson, chief executive of the ISC, writes in Tes highlighting how the independent sector is already playing "a crucial part" in the national effort to tackle challenges brought on by the coronvirus outbreak. The article mentions Francis Holland School, Sloane Square and Trent College in Nottinghamshire.

The Telegraph reports a number of independent schools are considering offering discounts, fee freezes and more funding for bursaries following the coronavirus lockdown. By Harry Brennan. The article quotes Pam Hutley, headmistress at Hollygirt School, Julie Robinson, chief executive of the ISC, and a spokesman for the Independent Schools Association. A separate article in The Telegraph highlights the approaches several independent schools have taken with regard to their summer school fees. By Susie Mesure. The article quotes several staff members at schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations.

An article in The Independent explores how schools that are open are caring for their pupils' physical and mental wellbeing. By Eleanor Busby. The article quotes Matthew Loosemore, assistant head of The Maynard School.

Schools in England are being asked to donate science goggles and other protective equipment to frontline NHS staff who require face shields. By Sarah Marsh, The Guardian. A teacher at Lochaber High in the Highlands has used his school's 3D printer to produce protective visors for healthcare staff working with infected patients. By Marc Horne, The Times.

Headteachers have warned children eligible for free school meals could miss out as it becomes more difficult to deliver food parcels, amid calls for the Government to urgently provide schools with supermarket vouchers for those in need. By Eleanor Busby, The Independent.

The Government has confirmed the timeline for rolling out T-levels is being kept "under review". By Kate Parker, Tes.

Professor John Jerrim, of UCL's Institute of Education, has said the national reference test should be used to "validate" GCSE maths and English grades to minimise the potential for bias in teacher assessments. By Catherine Lough, Tes.

The Department for Education (DfE) has advised teacher training providers to make judgements on trainees "based on assessments already completed and each trainee's current trajectory of progress towards meeting the teachers' standards". By Freddie Whittaker, Schools Week. A separate article in Schools Week highlights new guidance advising governing bodies and boards of trustees to hold meetings remotely during the lockdown period. By Freddie Whittaker.

The Times reports Keir Bloomer, the chairman of the commission on school reform, has called for the recruitment of retired and trainee teachers to help support existing teachers with online learning. By Tom Eden.

Paul Clark, deputy head (pastoral) and designated safeguarding lead at Langley Senior, and Christine Franklin, deputy head of pastoral and welfare at Langley Prep, discuss the importance of pitching wellbeing at the top of the school curriculum.

Suzie Longstaff, head of Putney High School GDST, reflects on how pupils and staff at her school have adapted to their "new normal".

According to statistics published by the DfE this morning, the number of full or over-capacity secondary schools increased to 17 per cent in 2019, thought to be brought on by a baby boom in the early 2000s. By James Carr, Schools Week.

Michael Clack, a team inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate and a lead improvement partner and peer accreditor for the Council of Overseas British International Schools, offer four key tips for school leaders on how to approach safeguarding in international schools. By Grainne Hallahan, Tes.