ISC Daily News Summary

MPs have launched an inquiry into the early years sector to review the government’s school-readiness targets and staff recruitment and retention. The Commons Education Select Committee will also focus on how ministers can ensure the sector is inclusive of families across the country – including those in so-called "childcare deserts" – and of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Academics and experts from the early years sector are invited to make written submissions via the committee’s website by 11.59pm on 10 October. By Cerys Turner, Tes. 

Pupils' ability to learn could be damaged by becoming too reliant on generative artificial intelligence tools (AI), according to the findings of a new report by former Department for Education (DfE) adviser Tom Richmond. In a paper for the Social Market Foundation, Mr Richmond warns that expansion of the use of AI could lead to a "cognitive collapse", which could see standards dropping as children and teachers are no longer thinking as hard about the tasks they must complete. Urging ministers to review their guidance on the use of AI in schools, Mr Richmond says the current advice "pays too little attention to its effect on learning". By John Roberts, Tes. 

Ofsted is to assign senior inspectors to "shadow" inspection teams in a bid to test the uniformity of judgments under its new report cards system. The watchdog has confirmed it will introduce extra quality assurance visits that will focus specifically on consistency, validity and reliability when inspections resume in November. Critics have welcomed the move as a "good starting point", but have called for regular, "transparent" reporting of the results in addition to oversight from an independent, external body. By Lydia Chantler-Hicks, Schools Week.

Writing in The Independent, Simon Cooper, professor of physical activity and health at Nottingham Trent University, highlights a concerning decline in physical education (PE) hours in UK schools, with a reduction of 45,000 hours compared to 15 years ago. Emphasising the importance of the subject not only for children's physical health but also for their cognitive development, he cites research indicating that PE lessons – particularly games-based activities – can enhance brain performance, including short-term memory, attention, and executive function. "This effect even translates to better academic performance in maths," he adds. Calling on ministers to protect the subject, Professor Cooper concludes: "Physical education in schools ultimately helps children learn. Its place and importance in the curriculum must be valued – and further cuts must be avoided."