ISC Daily News Summary

Anne Longfield, the children's commissioner for England, writes in The Telegraph calling on the Government to devise a plan for schools in the event of a circuit breaker lockdown, arguing "children's education shouldn't be sacrificed on the alter of COVID".

The Guardian reports on the impact the pandemic has had on young people's mental health. By Sarah Marsh and Amelia Hill.

Footballer Marcus Rashford has expressed his disappointment after the Government rejected a proposal to extend free school meals provision during the school holidays. By Sally Weale and Richard Adams, The Guardian.

Siobhain McDonagh, Labour MP for Mitcham and Morden, has criticised the Department for Education's (DfE) response to coronavirus, arguing "teachers are sick and tired of information leaks before midnight, document updates and vague press releases". By John Roberts, Tes.

Tes reports the DfE has removed a line from its coronavirus guidance stating schools "are not currently considered high-risk settings". By Amy Gibbons. The DfE has also advised schools to consider allowing pupils to wear "additional, suitable indoor items of clothing" during the winter months, as the need for ventilation makes classrooms colder. By Freddie Whittaker, Schools Week.

According to The Telegraph, the pandemic has intensified competition among parents looking to buy a home in certain catchment areas, as families try to identify schools that delivered the best remote learning during lockdown. By Arabella Youens.

The Telegraph offers advice to parents on how they can support their COVID-19 positive child. By Sarah Rodrigues.

According to a report from the Higher Education Policy Institute, 350,000 more university places will be needed in England over the next 15 years, due to a rising 18-year-old population. By Will Hazell, iNews.

The Times explores how some law firms are no longer referring to A-level grades in the recruitment process, as part of efforts to level the playing field and attract applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds. By Catherine Baksi.

Chris Bones, chairman of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives in England and Wales, writes in The Times arguing the legal profession "must change and diversify if it is to serve modern society more effectively".

Findings from the National Literacy Trust suggest listening to podcasts can help children discover an interest in a range of topics and encourage them to engage in further reading. By Nicola Woolcock, The Times.