A coalition of experts has said children across Europe must receive at least one nutritious school meal a day if governments are serious about tackling a rise in obesity rates, preventing chronic illnesses and reducing social inequalities. By Sam Jones, The Guardian.
- Letters: Labour's pledge to add VAT to school fees will 'penalise children'
- Labour's school tax plans: 'Could we help them achieve their aims without pursuing a damaging policy?'
- Three Jewish schools in London close amid security concerns
- Warning from 12-year-old girl who suffered collapsed lung from vaping
- Pupils need one healthy school meal a day, say EU officials
- Diversify curriculum by featuring rap and grunge in music lessons, schools told
Letters: Labour's pledge to add VAT to school fees will 'penalise children'
LettersTwo readers write to The Times to share their views on Labour’s plans to add VAT to independent school fees. One warns that the policy would "penalise children and their educational needs while damaging a successful part of our economy". The second contributor considers the impact of the policy on bursaries for low-income families. The letters appear halfway down the page.
Labour's school tax plans: 'Could we help them achieve their aims without pursuing a damaging policy?'
Independent sectorWriting in Independent School Management Plus, head of Redmaids' High School Paul Dwyer calls for the Labour Party to reconsider its tax plans for independent schools. To achieve Labour's aim of boosting state education, Mr Dwyer says “there are a few areas that seem in easy reach that could be explored more meaningfully”.
Three Jewish schools in London close amid security concerns
SafeguardingThree north London Jewish schools have closed for the day, with some citing safety concerns in relation to planned protests in support for Palestinians. The Community Security Trust, a charity providing security advice for British Jews, said schools should remain open. By Harry Farley, BBC News.
Warning from 12-year-old girl who suffered collapsed lung from vaping
HealthSarah Griffin, a 12-year-old girl who was a heavy vaper, has warned other children against taking up the habit after she suffered a collapsed lung and was placed in an induced coma for four days. Health secretary Steve Barclay recently announced plans to restrict the sale of vapes and to introduce plain packaging. By Steven Swinford and Poppy Koronka, The Times.
Diversify curriculum by featuring rap and grunge in music lessons, schools told
MusicRap and 1990s grunge should be taught in music lessons as part of a “diverse curriculum”, according to representatives from Oak National Academy, a body funded by the Department for Education (DfE) that provides online teaching resources. Secondary school pupils could be taught about 2Pac, 50 Cent, Eminem, Nirvana and Pearl Jam alongside classical music composers, although specific artists on the curriculum are yet to be confirmed. By Louisa Clarence-Smith, The Telegraph.