ISC Daily News Summary

Schools Week summarises a report from EDSK that has called for the Labour Party to reconsider its plans to remove the charitable status of independent schools and instead limit the fees they are able to charge. The think tank's report, which has cited “significant legal and financial risks” associated with Labour's plans to lift tax exemptions for independent schools, also said reform needs to see more cross-sector partnership work, with independent schools supporting a greater number of poorer pupils. Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), is quoted, saying the organisation “would encourage politicians from all parties to engage and work with us to build on the good public benefit work that already exists within the sector to improve education for more young people”.

Reference is made to research by the ISC and several schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations are mentioned. By Freddie Whittaker.

Ministers on the Commons Women and Equalities Committee have said the government should focus on engaging boys in relationships and sex education (RSE) in order to help tackle the continuing problem of sexual harassment and violence against pupils in schools. RSE should also be made compulsory in sixth forms and colleges, according to the MPs, who have warned that young people are making their first steps into the adult world “under-supported” to navigate potentially “dangerous” situations. By Eleanor Busby, The Independent.

A consultation has been launched on proposed new guidance covering how schools share information to keep children safe. An article in Tes explains what the update would mean for safeguarding practitioners. By Elizabeth Rose.

Councils have warned that a government pledge to extend free childcare to all working parents in England could become a postcode lottery dependent on regional capacity, after research by the Local Government Association found 88 per cent of authorities surveyed were concerned there would be significant nursery closures this year. By Sally Guyoncourt, iNews.

Ministers have confirmed that a free flu vaccinination will be offered to all secondary school pupils in England in the next academic year. By Harry Stedman, The Independent.

Two professors speak to Tes about how teachers can dispel some of the common myths surrounding maths, with tips on helping pupils who are anxious about the subject. By Chris Parr.