ISC Daily News Summary

According to a tender document published by the Department for Education (DfE), children could be asked to take "diagnostic tests" when they return to school to help teachers establish how far they have fallen behind in their learning. By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph.

Sir Kevan Collins, the new education recovery commissioner, has suggested schools may not have free rein over how catch-up funding is to be used, instead saying they could be presented with a "suite of opportunities" to choose from. By Amy Gibbons, Tes.

Nick Brook, the deputy general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, writes in Tes arguing investing in teachers is "likely to have significantly more impact on educational recovery than headline-grabbing add-ons to the school day".

John Swinney, Scotland's education secretary, has said staff and pupils at Scottish schools will be asked to test themselves for coronavirus twice a week, as part of efforts to reopen schools. By Daniel Sanderson, The Telegraph.

Schools Week reports the DfE has aligned its COVID-19 testing guidance for schools with advice issued by NHS Test and Trace. By James Carr.

Findings from a new Tes survey suggest 93 per cent of teachers in England do not think Ofsted should carry out monitoring inspections in schools after half term. By Catherine Lough.

BBC News reports outdoor education providers are hoping to be able to resume residential trips after Easter. By Judith Burns.

Munira Wilson, MP for Twickenham, and Baroness Tyler of Enfield write in The Times calling on the Government to establish a "wellbeing and resilience fund" to support children and young people affected by the pandemic.

The campaign group Playing Out has warned a "lack of clarity" over COVID-19 restrictions has left parents and police confused about where children are allowed to play outside. By Jane Merrick, iNews.

Researchers have warned that the number of university students using "homework help" websites and "essay mills" has surged since the beginning of the pandemic, raising concerns about the integrity of online assessments. By Sally Weale, The Guardian. Chris Skidmore, a former universities minister who is trying to outlaw essay mills, has warned: "Contract cheating is rife and we need to take action." By Nicola Woolcock, The Times.

James Dahl, master of Wellington College, reflects on the wider role of the independent sector as the nation’s schools continue to respond to the challenges of COVID-19.

Sir Peter Lampl, founder and chair of the Sutton Trust, writes in The Independent arguing the pandemic provides an opportunity to "reset" the exam system.

Louise Simpson, head of Exeter School, writes to The Times in response to an article about the importance of girls' schools. She argues "it is by working together, collaboratively and equally, in a co-ed environment that girls develop the skills and confidence to see themselves as equals with their male classmates". The letter can be found halfway down the page.

A study by the National Foundation for Educational Research has highlighted "the importance of the wider aspects of school life" in supporting pupils' life satisfaction. By Catherine Lough, Tes.

Schools Week lists the 77 schools selected to run 81 new teaching school hubs across England, which are intended to play a "key role in helping to build up trainee teachers as they enter the workforce". By Freddie Whittaker.