ISC Daily News Summary

Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, has warned the Government's plan for lateral flow coronavirus testing in schools is "a recipe for disaster", after an academic suggested the rapid tests could actually lead to more outbreaks in schools. By John Roberts, Tes.

Robert Halfon, the chair of the Education Select Committee, has said the Government should provide support for schools unable to run testing centres. By Tony Diver and Lizzie Roberts, The Telegraph.

The Mail reports some parents have reacted angrily to suggestions that schools could remain closed in January. By Harry Howard, James Robinson and Sam Blanchard.

Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, has asked education secretary Gavin Williamson to provide scientific evidence to support his claim that schools are not driving transmission of COVID-19. By John Roberts, Tes.

Ali Oliver, chief executive of the Youth Sports Trust, has urged parents, carers and teachers to do all they can to keep children active as part of the New Year COVID-19 recovery process. By Jeremy Wilson, The Telegraph.

Simon Lebus, the new interim chief regulator at Ofqual, has said he will work with the education sector to "ensure a smooth-running exam series in 2021 and to tackle important longer-term issues such as technical and vocational qualification reform and supporting innovation in assessment". By John Dickens, Schools Week.

Schools Week reports Ofqual has established a new expert group to explore how exams data can be improved and shared more widely, as part of wider efforts to 'rebuild trust' in the system. By John Dickens.

Royston Smith, Conservative MP for Southampton, Itchen, submitted a written question asking the schools minister what steps the Department for Education (DfE) is taking to ensure more children from disadvantaged and care backgrounds have access to independent school scholarships. In response, Nick Gibb highlighted the work taking place between the DfE and the independent sector to widen access, through full bursary places, boarding school placements and cross-sector partnerships.

An editorial piece in The Guardian explores the decline of music provision in schools, arguing: "In this time of uncertainty and fear, ensuring that all children can access music-making is a cause deserving of meaningful support and attention from ministers."