ISC Daily News Summary

According to leaked documents seen by the British Medical Journal, the Government plans to prioritise regular coronavirus testing for people in "high-risk settings", including teachers, under 'Operation Moonshot'. By Claudia Civinini, Tes.

Health secretary Matt Hancock has said it is "not appropriate" for schools to send whole year groups for coronavirus tests. Tes.

Labour's deputy leader, Angela Rayner, has described the Government's testing system as an "absolute shambles", as some people are forced to miss work or school to travel to their nearest available testing centre. By John Roberts, Tes.

Jess Phillips, shadow minister for domestic violence and safeguarding and Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley, writes in The Independent arguing the Government's coronavirus testing system has "failed schools".

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers writes in The Guardian expressing concern over ministers' handling of coronavirus in schools, saying "the Government is well behind where is needs to be in terms of its thinking, planning and delivery".

Yvonne Williams, head of English and drama in a secondary school, writes in Tes in support of "moral values that impose responsibility on all of us", arguing teachers need support from parents and pupils to keep schools safe.

Lee Elliot Major, a professor of social mobility, has warned there are "big concerns" that there are not enough high-quality tutors to help children catch up on their learning. By John Roberts, Tes.

Schools Week reports the Department for Education is inviting retired educational psychologists to return to the profession to support children returning to school. By Freddie Whittaker.

An article in The Telegraph reports independent boarding schools in Scotland have seen a spike in interest from American families during the pandemic. By Daniel Sanderson. The article quotes Dorothy MacGinty, headmistress of Kilgraston School, Lisa Kerr, principal of Gordonstoun, Gemma Gray, director of marketing and admission at Fettes College, and a spokeswoman for Strathallan School.

Larry Flanagan, general secretary of the Educational Institute of Scotland, has said coronavirus guidance for teachers of pupils with additional support needs is "totally inadequate". BBC News.

Dr Joe Spence, master of Dulwich College, writes in Tes in support of the government-sponsored National Modern Languages School Centred Initial Teacher Training (NML SCITT) scheme, adding the programme needs "continued support and focus from all those involved" to make a difference nationally.

iNews explores the new official guidance on relationships and sex education in England, which has been updated to cover topics ranging from digital privacy to domestic abuse. By Eleanor Salter.