ISC Daily News Summary

Figures from the Royal College of Psychiatrists show the number of mental health referrals for children and young people rose by 28 per cent during the pandemic. By Henry Bodkin, The Telegraph.

According to a survey by the National Education Union (NEU), 78 per cent of teachers believe mental health issues among pupils have increased over the past year. By Catherine Lough, Tes.

Judith Woods writes in The Telegraph condemning Gavin Williamson's crackdown on behaviour, arguing children are "disconnected, disillusioned and in desperate need for that to be recognised" during the pandemic. Writing in The Guardian, Polly Toynbee also criticises the education secretary's announcement, saying "there is no sign that children's behaviour has worsened during lockdown". Laura McConnell, an autistic teacher of autistic children, writes in Tes arguing the discourse surrounding the Government's new Behaviour Hubs programme discriminates against neurodivergent pupils.

Robin Bevan, president of the NEU, has criticised Gavin Williamson's decision-making during the pandemic, and accused the education secretary of repeating "the lie that exams are the best and fairest way for young people to show that they know and can do". By Liam James, The Independent.

According to research conducted by the OCR exam board, pupils "do not necessarily do significantly better" on assessment questions which they have seen in advance of a full exam or test. By Catherine Lough, Tes.

Members of the NEU have voted to campaign for the replacement of the current GCSE and A-level exams system as part of measures to "challenge institutional racism at all levels in the education system". By Catherine Lough, Tes.

Members of the NEU have said that boys and male teachers should be taught about sexual harassment and abuse in schools to help challenge sexism and "toxic laddish culture". By Nicola Woolcock, The Times.

Patrick Moriarty, head of the Jewish Community Secondary School in Barnet, writes in Tes reflecting on the recent allegations, after his school was named on the Everyone's Invited website.

According to a survey by the Institute of Directors, just one in 10 businesses say they will offer T-level placements in 2021. By Kate Parker, Tes.

Lord Wharton of Yarm, chairman of the Office for Students, has described cancel culture in universities as "deeply unhealthy", and has said he will sanction institutions that fail to support free speech. By Lucy Fisher and Camilla Turner, The Telegraph.