ISC Daily News Summary

Health secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed COVID-19 testing will be expanded to include all essential workers, including school staff, and their families. By Amy Gibbons, Tes.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, has said comments from Chris Whitty, the Government's chief medical officer, that social distancing measures may be in place until the end of the year are "reassuring", as they suggest "there is not going to be a rush for everyone going back to school". By Catherine Lough, Tes.

The Telegraph reports on a new government helpline launched today, which is designed to offer support to parents struggling to homeschool their children. By Camilla Turner.

An article in Tes praises the "heroic effort" of schools to support pupils and key workers during the pandemic. By Henry Hepburn.

The Scottish Qualifications Authority has confirmed "estimated grades could be adjusted both up and down as part of any moderation we need to make", despite education secretary John Swinney claiming a school's academic performance would not influence pupils' results. By James McEnaney, The Times.

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's first minister, has said classrooms in Scotland "may have to be resdesigned to allow social distancing" and pupils may have to come to school at different times, once lockdown restrictions are relaxed. By Henry Hepburn, Tes.

A study commissioned by the Scottish Youth Parliament has explored the impact of coronavirus on young people in Scotland, with 96 per cent of respondents saying they fear for their futures. Tes.

Gus O'Donnell, former cabinet secretary and head of the civil service, writes in The Times arguing prioritising wellbeing is the key to phasing out the lockdown.

Tes reports the Department for Education (DfE) is unable to confirm disadvantaged pupils will receive free laptops and tablets before schools reopen. By Amy Gibbons.

The DfE has said schools may have to wait up to four days to receive free school meal vouchers after placing an order. By Amy Gibbons, Tes.

An article in The Telegraph explores how disruption to education might disproportionately affect girls from the poorest backgrounds across the world. By Jordan Kelly-Linden.

An anonymous teenager writes in The Telegraph sharing their experience of living under lockdown.

The Telegraph explores the pros and cons of children moving schools at sixth form level. By Rosie Murray-West. The article quotes the head of several schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations.

In an interview with Schools Week, shadow education secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey said the lack of an "overarching message" on the reasoning behind Labour's flagship national education service contributed to the Party's defeat in the last general election. By Freddie Whittaker.

The Times explores the life of Sir Eric Anderson, provost of Eton College and former headmaster of a number of independent schools, who died on April 22 2020.

In the newest instalment of the ISC's 'good news' round-up, we highlight how school communities are continuing to provide support during the coronavirus pandemic, from donating much-needed laptops to running 3000km for NHS Charities Together.