ISC Daily News Summary

Research carried out by the universities of Cambridge and Sussex has found that children from poorer backgrounds were more likely to find lockdowns tougher on their mental health because they had less contact with green spaces. The researchers suggested that the study strengthened the case for connecting with nature as a “low-cost method of mental health support for children”. By Will Hazell, iNews.

A report from the Local Government Association has said that counselling should be made available in state secondary schools and academies to help support the rising number of pupils reporting mental health issues during the pandemic. By Catherine Lough, Tes.

Robin Walker, the schools minister, has said he wants to “accelerate” the vaccine rollout for 12 to 15-year-olds during a visit to schools in the north east. By Will Hazell, iNews.

Tes takes a closer look at Nadhim Zahawi's first month as education secretary. By Sam Freedman.

Independent Education Today features an interview with Cat Davison, the director of service and partnerships and teacher at Sevenoaks School, who was a finalist in the Global Teacher Prize. Ms Davison said: “I believe that the greatest impact in society that independent schools can offer is educating students to become inclusive, critically informed and active citizens." By Jo Golding.

Schools Week has reported that school leaders are budgeting tens of thousands of pounds to meet soaring gas bills after being told to expect a near 50 per cent hike in costs. By Samantha Booth.

The Lambeth & Southwark Primary Schools Football League, which covers 24 schools in south London, has banned heading following growing concerns over the link between football and dementia. By Tomás Hill Lopez-Menchero, The Times.