ISC Daily News Summary

According to The Times, ministers are becoming frustrated by their scientific advisers for exercising caution on vaccinating children against COVID-19.

An editorial piece in The Times argues: "The Government cannot afford to wait for the scientists to reach a consensus. They should take the initiative and extend the vaccination programmes."

The Guardian reports confusion is growing over whether all children aged 12 and over will soon be offered jabs, with the NHS preparing for vaccinations as government scientists warn of potential complications. By Nicola Davis.

Education secretary Gavin Williamson has said that if COVID vaccines for 12 to 15-year-olds do go ahead, parents will always be asked for consent. By Laura Donnelly and Camilla Turner, The Telegraph.

The Telegraph explores the rewards and risks of vaccinating 12-year-old children against COVID-19. By Harry de Quetteville.

Devi Sridhar, professor of global public health at the University of Edinburgh, has said teenagers should be offered vaccines "so they have that protection before going back into schools". Tes.

According to iNews, the parents of more than 55,000 shielding children have been informed they will no longer be classified as clinically extremely vulnerable and should return to school. By Poppy Wood.

New poll findings suggest four in five teachers do not feel reassured by the Government's plan to install carbon dioxide monitors in schools to help tackle the spread of the virus. By Amy Gibbons, Tes.

Andrew Lilico writes in The Telegraph arguing a spike in cases when schools reopen "should be treated as the new normal, with minimal disruption to day-to-day life".

IE Today explores how the pandemic has affected teacher recruitment and retention in the independent sector. By Hazel Davis. The article quotes Ben Evans, headmaster at Windlesham House School, Philippa Devo, director of HR at St Dunstan's College, and Julie Robinson, chief executive of the ISC.

The Scottish Government is reportedly considering administering COVID vaccinations to 16 and 17-year-olds in schools and colleges. By Helen Puttick, The Times.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, has suggested that the Government could produce contingency plans for next year's exams before the end of the October half-term. By John Roberts and Catherine Lough, Tes.

Education Scotland has produced new anti-racism guidance for schools in Scotland, which invites teachers to take a "white privilege test" and help pupils to embrace diversity. By Neil Pooran, The Times.