ISC Daily News Summary

The National Education Union has written a letter to the prime minister calling on the Government to share its "modelling, evidence and plans" relating to the increased risks to pupils, teachers, parents and carers through the reopening of schools. By Catherine Lough, Tes. An article in The Telegraph reports the Government is under increasing pressure to reopen schools amid fears lockdown restrictions cannot be relaxed until the children of key workers are back in full-time education. By Camilla Tominey. Tes reports Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has expressed concern over the impact of school closures on disadvantaged children. By William Stewart.

The Telegraph reports independent schools are helping to narrow the attainment gap in the UK by sharing online and physical learning resources with state schools during the lockdown. By Katie Russell. The article quotes Julie Robinson, chief executive of the ISC, and staff members at several schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations.

Pupils and parents at Solihull Preparatory School have delivered personalised goodie bags to NHS workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic. IE Today. The article quotes Mark Penney, head of the school. Ben Evans, headmaster at Edge Grove School, shares the insights he has gained through switching to online learning. Independent Schools Magazine. A separate article explores how Felsted School and Wellington School have adapted to remote learning.

Patrick Roach, general secretary of the NASUWT, has suggested teacher assessments should be integrated into the marking of exams beyond this academic year to prevent 'severe disruption' if GCSEs and A-levels ever have to be cancelled again. By Dave Speck, Tes.

Edenred, the Government's free school meals voucher supplier, has urged schools without an "immediate requirement" to stop visiting the website, as the system struggles to cope with increasing online traffic. By John Dickens, Schools Week. An article in Tes reports on concerns over schools' eligibility funding from the Government for free school meals. By Amy Gibbons.

The Telegraph reports approximately 117 million children around the world could be at risk of missing out on measles vaccinations as national immunisation campaigns are halted to slow the spread of coronavirus. By Sarah Newey.

The Guardian offers advice to parents on how they can use their daily walks as an opportunity to teach their children about nature. By Emine Saner.

Lord Lexden, president of the Independent Schools Association, writes in The Times arguing independent schools would "embrace" a national scheme where "places would be opened up at a cost to the state no greater than it pays for them in the maintained sector". The letter can be found halfway down the page.

An article in iNews answers some frequently asked questions about this year's primary school admissions. By Alex Nelson.