ISC Daily News Summary

The Telegraph reports some headteachers have started to draw up plans for rotas and a phased return to school. By Camilla Turner.

Researchers from the University of Warwick have said there is no evidence to suggest that schools are a major driver of COVID-19 transmission. BBC News.

According to The Telegraph, the third phase of the coronavirus vaccine rollout is likely to target people by age and ethnicity, amid concerns that prioritising various types of workers, including teachers, could "create too much complication". By Henry Bodkin.

Fiona McQueen, chief nursing officer for the Scottish Government, has denied claims that ministers have "underplayed" the risk of the new variant to teachers ahead of the reopening of schools in Scotland. By Kieran Andrews, The Times.

First minister Nicola Sturgeon is expected to announce later today whether some pupils in Scotland can return to school from next week. BBC News.

The Educational Institute of Scotland is calling on the Scottish Government to reconsider its plans for schools and to "facilitate a blended learning approach in primary, which would allow for physical distancing amongst pupils". By Emma Seith, Tes.

Robert Halfon, chairman of the Education Select Committee, writes in The Telegraph arguing "the focus of any 'catch-up' scheme will need to be far broader than just academic outcomes".

Molly Kingsley writes in The Telegraph urging the Government to invest in play-centred infrastructure for children post-lockdown, adding "play must not only be permitted, but positively encouraged".

iNews reports Labour is calling on the Government to extend free school meals provision across all school holidays this year. By Josh Barrie.

Business2Schools, a charity which distributes refurbished technology to children, has warned there is still a "high volume of need" for laptops among Welsh pupils learning from home. BBC News.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) has announced that all UK exams will be cancelled this year, with grades expected to be awarded based on coursework marks and predicted grades. By Catherine Lough, Tes.

The Rev Steve Chalke, founder of the Oasis academy trust, has urged the Department for Education and Ofqual to drop proposals for mini-exams to "relieve stress" on schools. By William Stewart, Tes.

Annabel Heseltine writes in The Telegraph arguing caps on the number of privately-educated pupils accepted into Oxbridge undermine parents who have "scrimped and saved" to send their children to independent schools, and ignore the sector's work in supporting pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Kristian Shanks, curriculum leader history at Sherburn High School, writes in The Telegraph challenging claims that the English baccalaureate can "address unequal opportunities in our school system".

Professor Rob Coe, a former maths teacher who helped to create 11-plus tests, has warned "there is no quality driver, no incentive for high-quality processes in the system", with grammar schools free to choose whichever tests or selection processes they like. By Dave Speck, Tes.