ISC Daily News Summary

The Department for Education (DfE) announced yesterday that some schools could receive up to £75,000 each in funding to help cover additional costs incurred due to the coronavirus outbreak. The guidance specified the funding would not cover costs that are "part of schools' expected expenditure for the year but that will not provide a benefit to the school or its pupils (such as exam fees, where exams will not now take place)". By Catherine Lough, Tes.

The British Educational Suppliers Association has raised concerns about a list of free online resources published by the DfE, saying they are "not aware of any checks on resilience, safeguarding, data protection or other security and quality related performance standards". By James Carr, Schools Week. The Sutton Trust, a social mobility charity, has called for more support for teachers in delivering online lessons. By Dave Speck, Tes. Steven Cutts writes in The Independent exploring how the pandemic could shape the future of education, and suggests technological advances could help widen access to independent education.

According to Bruce Adamson, Scotland's commissioner for children and young people, the uptake of places reserved for vulnerable children in childcare hubs and schools is "very, very low". By Emma Seith, Tes.

IE Today lists the independent schools using their skills and resources to produce personal protective equipment for the NHS. The article mentions a number of schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations.

Some teachers have reported they are being pressured into working over the Easter holidays to keep schools open for vulnerable children and children of key workers, according to the NASUWT teaching union. By Dave Speck, Tes.

New findings have shown teacher recruitment activity dropped significantly in mid-March, with researchers saying this year's recruiting season has been "dramatically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting school closures". By Freddie Whittaker, Schools Week.

Dr Tara Porter, a clinical psychologist, has written an open letter to teenagers who may be struggling with their mental health during the lockdown. Tes. An article in The Times reports the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Royal College of GPs in Scotland have called on the Government to investigate the impact of the lockdown on the mental health of teenagers. By Helen Puttick.

Greg Jenner, historical consultant to CBBC's Horrible Histories, will host a set of 15-minute history lessons on BBC Radio 4 while schools are closed. By Will Hazell, iNews.

An article in Tes offers advice to those due to start a new teaching job overseas in September. By Grainne Hallahan.

IE Today features some tips for headteachers on how they can stay productive and effectively manage their workload. The article quotes Jo MacKenzie, headmistress at Bedford Girls' School, Chris Seal, principal of Shrewsbury International School Bangkok, and Ben Evans, headmaster at Edge Grove School.

The Telegraph features a multiple choice quiz for seven to 11-year-olds on personal finance. By Harry Brennan.