ISC Daily News Summary

The Huffington Post has published the Government's plans for pupils' return to school in September, which are set to be announced in parliament on Thursday. The guidance is reported to include whole year group bubbles, fines for parents whose children fail to attend school, and the temporary suspension of some subjects. By Paul Waugh.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, has called on the Government to allow a "period of grace" before issuing fines to parents who keep their children at home when schools reopen. By Rosemary Bennett, The Times.

Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, has warned the Government will have to "take responsibility for the potential consequences" if schools are advised to reopen without staff rotas or physical distancing. By Amy Gibbons, Tes.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said a "total lack of planning" by ministers has delayed pupils' return to school. Tes.

According to a government notice published today, routine Ofsted inspections will be cancelled until 1 August at the earliest. By Amy Gibbons, Tes.

A group of 146 charities has written a letter urging the Government to prioritise the wellbeing and needs of children during the pandemic. By Katherine Sellgren, BBC News.

BBC News reports some pupils in Wales have started to return to school to "check in, catch up and prepare" for the autumn term.

Jim Thewliss, general secretary of School Leaders Scotland, has said the return of secondary school pupils in Scotland will need to be staggered even if schools reopen to pupils fully in August. By Emma Seith, Tes.

Dr Tim Hands, headmaster at Winchester College, writes in The Telegraph explaining how the Black Lives Matter movement has given an impetus to curriculum reforms at the school.

Clarissa Farr, a former independent school head, writes in The Times in support of the Government's pledge to invest in new school buildings, arguing the move will "inspire the next generation of students and attract the brightest and best into teaching". The letter can be found halfway down the page.

Kirsten Johnson, head of music and drama at a boys' prep school, writes in Tes outlining why she believes all teaching roles should have a probation period.