ISC Daily News Summary

During a debate in the House of Commons on the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill, Conservative MP Mark Francois raised a question regarding the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA). He explained that the VAT on fees policy will impact around 4,200 children of service personnel, since the 12.5 per cent to 16.6 per cent increase in the CEA leaves parents to cover the shortfall from post-tax income. He said: "In the worst cases, the VAT will have an adverse impact on military families using CEA, who could see their contributions increase by over 50 per cent for senior school pupils." Continuing, Mr Francois warned: "This is not just an officer’s benefit. It is a very important benefit for senior non-commissioned officers. If the costs become unsustainable, there is a risk that they will leave the armed forces, and that someone whom it may have cost the Crown over £1 million to train will leave, which would very much be a false economy." 

The Department for Education (DfE) has announced that all new teachers will be required to complete mandatory training on using assistive technology to support children with special educational needs and disabilities. Tes understands that the requirement for teachers to have the training will be introduced this September. Speaking at the Bett edtech show later today, education secretary Bridget Phillipson is also expected to unveil measures aimed at streamlining education processes and driving higher standards. By Jasmine Norden.

One in 12 children globally is exposed to online child sexual exploitation and abuse, research has found. Experts have warned that the issue is escalating as a result of the rapid development of and easier access to social media. According to the US National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline, more than 3.2 million reports of suspected child exploitation and abuse images and videos were received in 2023, a 23 per cent lift on the 2021 figures. In the UK, data released by the the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) last November showed that online child grooming cases rose by 89 per cent in six years. By Rachel Clun, The Independent. 

More children and young people are being referred to the Prevent programme in England and Wales per year than at any time since recent records began, although the number who are then judged as requiring help has fallen, according to Home Office data. In an article for The Independent, the PA news agency explores the latest data for under-18s being referred to Prevent and its different stages. By Ian Jones.

In an interview with Independent School Management Plus, head of North London Collegiate School Vicky Bingham highlights the importance of balancing tradition with innovation in education. She warns that reforms like moving exams online could have unintended consequences for pupils, such as losing the art of handwriting. Emphasising the enduring value of humanities, Ms Bingham states: "We mustn’t lose sight of the beauty and the joy of education – that you can’t easily measure or put into a spreadsheet." By Irena Barker.