ISC Daily News Summary

Independent school fees are now the biggest expense for wealthy grandparents assisting their adult children, the fourth Saltus Wealth Index report has found. The survey of people with assets of more than £250,000 revealed that the majority — 79 per cent — were helping their adult children in some way, with the most common reason being independent school fees. Reference is made to the Independent Schools Council (ISC) 2023 census and several schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations are mentioned. By Nicola Woolcock, The Times.

The number of nurseries in England fell by more than 400 last year, with the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) warning that "chronic underfunding" and rising costs are to blame. The sector body said the figures raised "serious questions" about whether there would be enough places to deliver the promised expansion of free childcare. By Becky Morton, BBC News.

Nick Gibb has said parents could give their children “brick phones” in place of smartphones to help them learn and socialise better at school. The schools minister explained that if parents have concerns about their child getting to school safely without a smartphone, they should give them a basic phone instead. By Christopher Hope and Giles Gear, The Telegraph.

Writing in Tes, former school governor and free school meals campaigner Andy Jolley argues that, while it sounds like a simple vote winner, implementing universal free school meals is a costly scheme. Mr Jolley criticises the timing of the initiative and suggests the money could be spent more efficiently elsewhere in education.

Tes asks whether coaching, which is becoming more commonplace in education, is worth it, and speaks to a number of leaders to find out more. By Ben Jones, with additional reporting from Dan Worth.

In the ISC's latest 'Spotlight On' blog, which marks Canada Day on 1 July, international coordinator and head of Spanish at City of London School for Girls Ainara Golzarri de Diego highlights the school’s international study programme, including a partnership with a Canadian school.