ISC Daily News Summary

A father is calling on the government to exempt families from paying VAT on independent school fees when medical needs prevent their child from attending a state school. Speaking to iNews, the parent shares how his daughter was hospitalised for eight months last year with a rare brain condition, leaving her in need of high-level support and unable to cope with a school change. While the family has accepted paying the school fees as she completes her GCSEs, they argue they shouldn't have to pay VAT since a state school isn't a viable option. The father, who wishes to remain anonymous, is now campaigning for policy changes to support families in similar situations. “It’s been a struggle financially. We have been fortunate that we have relatives who have lent us the money for this year,” he said. The father tells the paper he sought support from Jayne Kirkham, Labour MP for Truro and Falmouth, who sympathised with the situation despite backing the VAT policy. Ms Kirkham raised the family's concerns with education secretary Bridget Phillipson, but received a generic response from schools minister Stephen Morgan, justifying the tax. By Charlotte Duck.

In a letter to The Telegraph, Keith Punshon from North Yorkshire writes: "If Sir Keir Starmer wants British servicemen and women to put their lives on the line in Ukraine, he ought to do his bit by exempting them from having to pay VAT on private school fees, so their children can be guaranteed a stable education." The letter appears near the top of the page.

In a written question in the House of Commons, Conservative MP Bradley Thomas asked the education secretary if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of cooperation between state and independent schools on state schools. Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Department for Education Stephen Morgan replied, saying: "The Secretary of State for Education does not plan to make an assessment of the potential impact of cooperation between state and private schools on state schools. Many of the schools involved in cross-sector partnership working carry out their own impact assessments of the activities they are involved in, though the department does not endorse or assure such assessments." Hansard.

Writing in Tes, Megan Dixon discusses the "unhelpful reluctance" to acknowledge that many pupils have additional reading needs, citing the International Dyslexia Association's estimate that 15 to 20 per cent of the population experiences word reading difficulties. She urges educators to be "more sensitively curious" and emphasises the importance of understanding the root causes so appropriate support can be given. Megan Dixon is an associate lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University.

At the end of last year, the Education Select Committee launched an inquiry into education for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Schools Week outlines five key reforms that could make the biggest impact, including mandatory SEND training for staff, access to professionals, and careers guidance for pupils. By Georgina Durrant.