ISC Daily News Summary

The Times reports on concerns that the spread of the new coronavirus strain could jeopardise plans to reopen schools in January. By Emma Yeomans, Francis Elliott and Steven Swinford. Speaking to MPs, Professor Neil Ferguson, a member of the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group, said scientists hope to learn more over the next two weeks about how quickly the variant spreads among children, adding "the real question will be, how do we reduce the infection risk associated with schools?". By Laura Donnelly, The Telegraph.

Kate Green, the shadow education secretary, and Wes Streeting, the shadow schools minister, have written to Gavin Williamson urging him to provide clarity over plans for the return of schools and colleges in January. By Zoe Tidman, The Independent. According to Tes, a decision on how and when schools will reopen is now not expected to be made until after Christmas. By John Roberts and Joshua Lowe.

Findings suggest that closing schools for two weeks in the New Year could cost the economy up to £5 billion, as childcare demands could leave up to two million parents unable to work. By Tim Wallace, The Telegraph.

Schools Week reports £78 million will be made available to support schools with mass coronavirus testing. Speaking to school leaders yesterday, an NHS Test and Trace official said the rapid tests have "gone through a great deal of testing and rigorous evaluation", though they can still provide both false positives and negatives. By John Dickens.

According to updated guidance from the Department for Education, clinically extremely vulnerable teachers and pupils should not attend school in Tier 4 areas. By John Roberts, Tes.

Dr Joe Spence, master of Dulwich College, writes to The Independent following the publication of an article raising concerns over the independent sector's response to matters of diversity and inclusion. He argues a number of schools have taken action to raise awareness of and tackle these issues in recent months, and praises the work of organisations like the African Caribbean Education Network, which support independent schools in their work on diversity.

The Telegraph explores how teachers could be provided with the support and resources needed to educate pupils about sustainability and environmental issues. By Sarah Rodrigues. The article quotes Dr Jessica Tipton, head of sustainability and teacher of Russian and French at St Paul's Girls' School.

The Times features a piece on Gorse Academies Trust, an academy chain which is supporting its secondary pupils in taking up rowing, widening access to the sport. By Nicola Woolcock.

The Daily News Summary will be taking a break over the festive period, with today's DNS (24 December) being the last of 2020. Normal service will resume on Monday 4 January, 2021.

From everyone at the Independent Schools Council, we would like to thank school leaders, teachers and support staff for their hard work and dedication throughout this difficult year. We wish you all a calm and peaceful Christmas, and a Happy New Year.