Our archive of educational news
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- Interim Report: Early Education and Childcare Qualifications
The Government announced an independent review, led by Professor Cathy Nutbrown, to consider how best to strengthen qualifications and career pathways in the foundation years.
DFE Report on GCSE Early Entries
Professor Nutbrown has now produced her interim report. The review looks at qualifications - both for young people who are new to the early education and childcare sector, and for those already employed - and also how to promote progression into the labour market, higher level education and other training routes.
Professor Nutbrown conducted a large-scale public consultation to gather evidence towards her review. The report of this call for evidence can be found on this page under ‘Summary of Results'.
A DFE report based on research on the outcomes for students from early entries at GCSE is available. Statistical information is presented about recent trends in early entries with a focus on English and mathematics in particular. The report is available for download in PDF format.
National Curriculum Framework Report
A report from the Expert Panel's thinking on a range of important issues has been published. This includes an overarching conception of the purposes, shape, size and structure of the curriculum. The report focuses in particular on a number of recommendations, some of which have the potential to result in radical change to the National Curriculum, beyond change to curriculum content.
New school inspection documents for 2012 published
The three main documents for Ofsted's new arrangements for school inspection, due to commence in January 2012, have been published today. Available on the Ofsted website, they include the inspection framework, the evaluation schedule and guidance on how inspections should be conducted. Also available, to assist schools in preparing for inspection, are a series of short videos, PowerPoint presentations and detailed "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQs). These are all designed to ensure that details of the new arrangements are clearly explained.
Pupil Premium - Increase in value and scope
The DFE has announced that the Pupil Premium will rise to £600 from next financial year. Furthermore, the scope for eligibility has also been widened so that any child registered for Free School Meals (FSM) in the past six years the will now qualify. Further details are available via the DFE website website.
Provisional 2011 GCE A-Level and equivalent results
Information on the overall achievements of young people in GCE and Applied GCE A-level examinations and other equivalent qualifications has been released. This information is based on data collated for the 2011 School and College Performance Tables. Achievements in all Level 3 qualifications approved under Section 96 of the Learning and Skills Act (2000) are included. The DfE Performance Table points are used to calculate point scores for all Level 3 qualifications - see technical notes for more details. Further details are available via the Research and Statistics Gateway website.
Provisional 2011 GCSE Results
Earliest information on the overall achievements of young people in GCSE examinations and other accredited qualifications in 2010/11 has been released. The information is taken from data collated for the 2011 Secondary School Performance Tables. New statistics about the entries and achievements in each English Baccalaureate subject area as well as new national tables showing pupils making expected progress in English and mathematics from 2007/8 to 2010/11 and showing expected progress broken down by prior attainment and KS4 grades. Further details are available via the Research and Statistics Gateway website.
Provisional Subject Results from JCQ
Provisional subject results for GCS A-Levels, GCSE and diplomas area available to download from the Joint Council for Qualifications (JVQ) website. The statistics presented in tables includes both cumulative percentages and percentage by awarded grades as well as gender data and comparisons with results in 2010. Further details and downloads are available via the JCQ website.
Provisional Results for Key Stage 1 in 2011
Provisional results for Key Stage 1 in 2011 have been published, based on the achievements of eligible pupils in the 2011 National Curriculum teacher assessments. Information includes results by level, gender, ethnicity, English as an additional language, free school meal eligibility, special educational need and the Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index. The statistics show 84% of pupils achieved the expected level in reading, 81% in writing, 87% in speaking and listening, 90% in mathematics and 89 per cent in science. Further details and downloads are available via the DFE Research and Statistics Gateway.
Expected KS1-2 Progress in English and Maths
Details about the expected progress of pupils between KS1 and KS2 for 2010-11 have been published and contain statistics at national, regional and local authority levels. The progression data for pupils reaching the end of KS2 uses a revised methodology to take into account the results from KS2 Teacher Assessments for those pupils who did not achieve a level 3-5 outcome in the KS2 National Curriculum tests. Importantly, the data previously published for 2009 and 2010 has been updated using this new method and will help when making any comparisons between results from the different years. The statistics show that 83% of pupils make the expected progress in English (86% for girls and 81% for boys) and 82% in mathematics (82% for girls and 83% for boys). Further details and downloads are available via the DFE Research and Statistics Gateway.
Interim KS3 Results for 2011
National, regional and local authority interim results for Key Stage 3 tests taken by thousands of Year 9 pupils at secondary school were published today by the DFE. These indicate that 82% attained Level 5 or above in English, 81% in mathematics and 83% in science. Teachers’ own assessments in 2011 show increases in attainment at the expected level for all three subjects compared to 2010, with an increase of 3% in English and science and 1% in mathematics. Notably, there was a large gender gap of 12% in English.
Interim KS2 Results for 2011
National, regional and local authority interim results for Key Stage 2 tests taken by thousands of pupils at the end of primary school were published today by the DFE. These indicate that 71% of pupils attained Level 4 or above in English, 80% in mathematics and 74% in both English and mathematics. The overall improvement compared with 2010 was 1% except for writing which improved 4% to 75% this year.
Bew Report on Key Stage 2 Testing
Lord Bew published the independent review of KS2 testing, assessment and accountability. The report profiles the evidence, outlines conclusions and lists a series of recommendations. In essence external school-level accountability remains but with more trust placed on teachers through a greater weight given to their assessment. A wider range of data, to include new progress and attainment measures and rolling averages, should be published to give a fairer picture of school performance and provide better quality information for secondary schools. The review recommend that the writing composition test should be replaced with teacher assessment. The report can be downloaded via the DFE website.
Report on Alternative Provision
Ofsted has published a report on alternative provision, based on sample of 23 secondary schools and academies and 16 pupil referral units. The schools included at least one student with alternative provision and were located in both urban and rural areas and varied in size and composition. Alternative provision at 61 placements were included, representing a wide range of practical courses, work placements and music studios. The report provides insights into an unregulated sector area of provision which is not formally included in inspection. Further details and downloads are available at the Ofsted website.
Report on Economics, Business and Enterprise Education
Ofsted has published this report evaluating the strengths and weaknesses in the provision of economics, business and enterprise education in primary and secondary schools as well as colleges. The report covers formally assessed 14-18 courses as well as enterprise education in primary and secondary schools. The report can be downloaded from the Ofsted website.
Consultation: Changes to Admission Framework
The DFE has published a consultation about making changes to the Admission arrangements for schools. The proposals are for two new codes to slim-down the existing codes and reduce the requirements by around a half of the versions currently in force. Consultations close on 19 August 2011 and details can be viewed and downloads, together with response forms, can be obtained from the DFE website.
Consultation on teacher performance management and capability arrangements
A consultation has begun into making changes to the performance management and capability arrangements for teachers. This is a 12 week consultation and further details and response forms can be found at the DFE website. The consultation closes on 16 August.
Effective School Governance - Case studies
Ofsted has published a report about the quality of governance in maintained schools. Examples of highly effective governance from 14 case studies are highlighted looking at best practice in contributing to effective leadership. The report can be downloaded in different formats from the Ofsted website.
Excellence in English - Case studies
Ofsted has published a report based on a subject survey looking at best practice in the teaching of English in schools. The report contains 12 case studies covering primary and secondary schools and a special school for secondary-age students. Each school operates in challenging circumstances with evidence of skills, knowledge and understanding below average on entry. The report can be downloaded in different formats from the Ofsted website.
Guidance on Behaviour and Discipline
The DfE has published for consultation a series of guidance documents on behaviour and discipline for schools. Documents include guidance for governors, teacher and school staff on behaviour and discipline in schools; ensuring good behaviour; screening, searching and confiscation; and the use of reasonable force. This consultation closes on 30 May 2011 and it is anticipated that the new guidance will be published in July 2011.
Level 2 & 3 Attainment of Young People
The latest set of statistics about the Level 12 and Level 3 attainment of young people in England by the age of 19 have been published. The data covers the period up to 2009/10. Headlines for 2010 include - 81.5% were qualified at least to Level 2 (an increase of 2.4%) and 54.2% were qualified to Level 3 (an increase of 2.5%). Further details and download options are available on the National Statistics website.
Dame Tickell Review of EYFS
The independent review chaired by Dame Clare Tickell has been published. The review recommendations are designed to build on and improve the current statutory framework and create a revised, more flexible and accessible EYFS for all children and families. A major change is the reduction from 69 learning goals to 17, designed to reduce bureaucracy. Further details and links to download the report are available online at the DFE Website.
Ofsted Consultation
Ofsted has launched its consultation on the inspection of maintained schools and academies in England. The changes follow proposals announced in the 2011 Education Bill. The aim is to re-focus school inspection on: the quality of teaching and learning in the classroom, backed by excellent leadership and management, and good discipline and behaviour in schools. The consultation seeks views on the detail and can be downloaded or viewed on line on the Ofsted Website.
The Wolf Report
The report by Professor Alison Wolf of King's College London on improving vocational education for 14-19 year-olds has been published. There are a total of 27 recommendations in this 197 page report. which can be downloaded or viewed on line on the DFE Website.
The New Education Bill
An Education Bill has been published today to bring about changes in a number of areas including extensions the Secretary of State's powers to intervene where schools are underperforming, requiring Ofsted to focus on pupil achievement, teaching, leadership and behaviour and safety and comparing exam standards against the highest performing countries. Further details available on the DFE website. The published Education Bill and the associated explanatory notes can be viewed online or downloaded from the UK Parliament Website.
National Curriculum Review
The Secretary of State has announced the review of the National Curriculum. The review will be led by the Department for Education, supported by an Advisory Committee and Expert Panel made up of top teachers, academics, and business representatives. The aims of the review are to:
- replace the current substandard curriculum with one based on the best school systems in the world and provide a world-class resource for teachers and children;
- consider what subjects should be compulsory at what age;
- consider what children should be taught in the main subjects at what age.
The DFE has published a range of data about school spending for 2009-2010, based on financial returns submitted by schools through local authorities. There are various sections on this webpage for primary, secondary and special schools as well as additional documents about improving efficiency in schools and FAQs. Further details available on the DFE website.
KS4 Performance Tables
The Key Stage 4 performance tables have been published and are available via the DFE website. This provides details about schools, local authorities, regions and national figures, including information about retrospective performance in relation to the English Bacculaureate Further details available on the DFE website.
KS2 Performance Tables
The Key Stage 2 performance tables have been published and are available via the DFE website. This provides details about schools, local authorities, regions and national figures. Further details and downloads available on the DFE website.
The Pupil Premium 2011
The DFE has announced details of the pupil premium for 2011-12, planned to rise each year until 2014-15. The statement from the Secretary of State suggests funding for the pupil premium is additional to the underlying schools budget, which will be at the same cash-per-pupil level for 2011-12 as this year. This means there will be an additional £430 for every child known to be eligible for free school meals in any school from next year. This is clear additional money to help the very poorest who were let down by the last Government. Further details and download available at the DFE website.
The English Baccalaureate
The DFE has published an addendum for the statement of intent regarding the content performance tables for 2010. The addendum defines the precise subjects that will count towards the award of an English Baccalaureate (EBacc), which will be included in the performance tables. Brief answers to two questions about the definition for 2011 and rationale are included. Further details can be obtained in the download document link.
The 2010 White Paper
The schools White Paper, The Importance of Teaching, has been published by the DFE and sets out a radical reform programme for the schools system, reducing and removing the constraints of central Government direction and placing teachers firmly at the centre of school improvement. The White Paper (Cm 7980) can be viewed online with download options at the DFE website.
KS1 Attainment Results
The latest set of national statistics for Key Stage 1 attainment for 2009-10 are contained in the Statistical First Release (SFR). Based on teacher assessments, details of attainment are provided at National and Local Authority level for different pupil characteristics - gender, ethnicity, English as a first language, eligibility for free school meals (FSM) and special educational needs (SEN). Further details with the option to download information is available on the DFE website.
The DFE Business Plan
The Department for Education has published its business plan for 2011-15. The plan incorporates five sections - vision, coalition priorities, structural reform plan, departmental expenditure and transparency. A copy of the business plan can be downloaded from the DFE website via this link.
The KS2 Test Review
The Education Secretary has appointed Lord Bew to review the Key Stage 2 testing, assessment and accountability procedures. A small review panel consisting of two education experts, a number of primary headteachers and one secondary school head. The panel is due to launch a 12-week call for evidence, following which it will publish a progress report summarising the evidence gathered. The panel will publish its final report by June 2011.
Specialist schools: update
Michael Gove writes to Elizabeth Reid to announce the Department's intention to mainstream specialist school funding and remove the need for schools to designate or re-designate as specialist. For more information, visit the DFE website.
A/AS Results for 2010
The latest national statistics on GCE/Applied GCE A/AS and Equivalent Examination Results in England have been published. For more information, visit the DFE website.
GCSE Results for 2010
The latest national statistics on GCSE and Equivalent Results in England for 2009/10 have been published. For more information, visit the DFE website.
The Status of Quangos
Details and a breakdown of the current plans of the Department for Education (DFE) for its public bodies, following the Cabinet Office's cross-government review, have been published. For more information, visit the DFE website.
EYFS Profile Results 2010
This Statistical First Release contains national and Local Authority level results for the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP) assessments for 2010. The key point from the latest release are that he majority of children continue to work securely within (6 points or more) the Early Learning Goals for all assessment areas. The document can be downloaded from the National Statistics website.
Review of Vocational Education
Education Secretary Michael Gove announces review of 14-19 vocational education to be carried out by Professor Alison Wolf.
Revised remit for QCDA
Michael Gove outlines the role of the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency for the rest of the financial year, in light of the May announcement of its impending closure.
National Curriculum tests
The Department welcomes NAHT decision following letter from Michael Gove to General Secretary of NAHT outlining plans for a review of National Curriculum tests.
Children in Care/Need
Children's Minister Tim Loughton responds to published figures regarding children in LA care at the end of March 2010 and children subject to a child protection plan in 2009-10.
KS1 Results for 2010
The latest national statistics on National Curriculum Assessments at Key Stage 1 in England produced by the Department for Education were released on 26th August 2010 according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority. Further details, information and downloads for the provisional 2010 results can be obtained direct from the website.
KS4 subject results 2010
Provisional examination results for GCSE, Entry Level Certificates, Foundation and Higher Diplomas have been published by the Joint Council for Qualifications. Information about subject performance across grades, including gender, are provided. Further details and options for downloading PDF files can be located on the JCQ website.
Children missing from education
Ofsted have published the outcomes from a survey designed to evaluate the effectiveness of actions taken by local authorities regarding children and young people who are missing from education. The report considers whether current legislation and guidelines support local authorities in fulfilling their responsibilities in partnership with schools. Further details and download information about the report can be found at the Ofsted website.
Provisional 2010 KS2 and KS3 results
The latest national statistics on National Curriculum Assessments at Key Stage 2 and 3 in England produced by the Department for Education were released on 3rd August 2010 in line with arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority. Further details, information and downloads for the provisional 2010 results can be obtained direct from the website.
Pupil Premium: Consultation
As part of the Coalition Government agreement, the new pupil premium will provide additional funding for more disadvantaged pupils to ensure they benefit from the same opportunities as pupils from richer families. The premium will help target money so that more can be done to help children from disadvantaged backgrounds that are still not doing as well at school as they could or should do.
School discipline and pupil-behaviour policies - Guidance
A consultation to seek views on how best to operate the premium including what deprivation indicator to use has been launched by DFE ministers. This consultation runs for 12 weeks from 26 July to 18 October and responses can be made online or submitted via a downloadable proforma.
Further details and information about the consultation process and associated documents can be obtained direct from the DFE website.
This guidance aims to help schools understand their overall legal powers and duties regarding establishing a school behaviour policy and disciplining pupils. It also provides more specific advice on certain key sanctions (detention and confiscation). It does not, however, offer a definitive interpretation of the law: interpreting the law is a matter for the courts. Further information and download instructions are provided on the Teachernet website.
Internal Exclusions - Guidance
This guidance on internal exclusion is aimed at all schools and offers advice and good practice that schools may find helpful. There is no requirement for schools to follow this guidance, it should be used as a guide as to what internal exclusion should look like. Further information and download instructions are provided on the Teachernet website.
The new Department for Education
The Department for Education (DFE) has a new website with details of the portfolio and backgrounds of the ministerial team in the coalition government. There is also includes news headlines and information about the academies policy and the National Curriculum. Further details at the DFE website.
Narrowing the Gaps: Guidance for Literary Subject Leaders
This guidance is designed for literacy subject leaders in primary schools to aid the regular review of planning, to enable them to support inexperienced colleagues better in meeting the needs of all pupils in the class and to contribute to pupil progress meetings when asked for advice on appropriate next steps in learning. Further information and download instructions are provided on the Teachernet website.
EYFS: Further improve learning, playing and interacting
This guidance focuses on developing pedagogy and how to improve outcomes through better learning, playing and interacting (learning and teaching). It provides information on the role of the Early Years Consultant in providing effective setting-based continuing professional development. Further information and download instructions are provided on the Teachernet website.
The 21st Century School: Implications/Challenges for Governors
Secretary of State asked Jim Knight, Minister of State for Schools and Learners, to set up and chair a working group of stakeholders to review the current school governance arrangements. This review looks at the strengths and weaknesses of the current school governance arrangements. It summarises the considerations of the Working Group and details their findings. Further information and download instructions are provided on the Teachernet website.
Guidance on school behaviour and attendance partnerships
This guidance updates earlier guidance on school partnerships for behaviour and attendance. It takes account of the work of Sir Alan Steer in identifying key principles of effective partnership working and other key developments, such as the publication of the White Paper on 21st Century Schools in June 2009. It also explains what schools need to do to meet their new statutory duties. Further information and download instructions are provided on the Teachernet website.
Physical punishment: improving consistency and protection
Physical punishment is prohibited in all maintained and full-time independent schools, in children's homes, in local authority foster homes and early years provision; the prohibitions have different enforcement mechanisms. Any use of force can be charged as a criminal offence. However, in cases where the punishment is mild and where the person administering it is a parent or acting in place of a parent (in loco parentis) they are able to argue that they administered a "reasonable punishment". This is the reasonable punishment defence. This report by the Chief Adviser on the Safety of Children into physical punishment in various settings aims to determine if this is an area in which change was needed in order to strengthen the safeguards for children. Further information and download instructions are provided on the Teachernet website.
Securing good outcomes for all children and young people
This document draws together a wealth of research and good practice with the aim of supporting Children’s Trust Boards and their constituent partners to bring greater consistency, rigor and impact to the way early intervention is organised and delivered locally. Further information and download instructions are provided on the Teachernet website.
Pockets of Poverty: The challenge for schools with small FSM
This booklet provides a framework to support discussion about the current progress and attainment of pupils in receipt of free school meals (FSM), particularly where they form a relatively small proportion of the school cohort. The framework initially promotes discussion within the senior leadership team before extending the debate to include middle leaders and the staff as a whole. Further information and download instructions are provided on the Teachernet website.
Understanding progress: Engaging parents and pupils
The understanding progress materials aim to help primary and secondary school teachers develop their conversations with pupils and their parents and carers when talking about what pupils can do at different levels. The guides respond to requests from schools and parents to provide accessible information on what their child knows and can do, and to understand how they can support their child’s learning at home. The guides are designed to be mediated by teachers with parents. This guide is aimed at schools and teachers and outlines what the Understanding Progress materials are and how they can be used in schools and with pupils, parents and carers. Items will be dispatched from 9 April. Further information and download instructions are provided on the Teachernet website.
Getting the right balance: preparing for the Key Stage 2 tests
This new guide aims to help primary schools prepare pupils to sit Key Stage 2 National Curriculum tests. The guidance is based on evidence gathered from primary schools about the range of approaches they use to prepare pupils for the national tests, without disrupting high quality teaching and learning or the balance of the curriculum. Further information and download instructions are provided on the Teachernet website.
Enterprise education: Good practice guide
This guide is aimed at enterprise co-ordinators and headteachers. It explains what enterprise education is and provides examples of replicable practice. It also emphasizes the importance for schools of working in partnership with the local community and with employers, giving examples of those groups or individuals who will be able to help develop this within schools. Further information and download instructions are provided on the Teachernet website.
Consultation on the future distribution of school funding
This document sets out the Government’s proposals for the distribution of school funding from April 2011. It sets out the principles which would underpin a new funding system along with proposals on the formula for allocating the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). The document seeks agreement on funding principles and seeks views on the options put forward on how the individual formula elements should operate. Further information and download instructions are provided on the Teachernet website.
Count Me In
Count Me In is a joint initiative between the DCSF, Families Utd and the Home Office, which aims to increase young people’s understanding of knives. This guide aims to support schools with ways to communicate this sensitive issue to their pupils and includes an extensive selection of ideas and resources. Further information and download instructions are provided on the Teachernet website.
The Diploma: A guide
The booklet aims to provide all school and college staff and other providers with the key information that they will need about the Diploma as take up grows and it becomes an entitlement for students from 2013. Further information and download instructions are provided on the Teachernet website.
Working Together - Pack
This pack provides user-friendly, interactive, fun and familiar tools to inform parents around the value of communicating with their child about learning and school, whilst providing the means to do so. Further information and download instructions are provided on the Teachernet website.
Parental engagement - Resources
This guide has been developed for those working with parents with children aged 5-19, to provide information and guidance around how the Parental Engagement resources can be used with parents. The resources are part of the wider DCSF strategy to increase parental engagement in their child’s learning and development published in the Children’s Plan: Progress report, December 2008. Further information and download instructions are provided on the Teachernet website.
Getting Into Homework
These resources promote consistency and persistence of communication around learning, encouraging ongoing contact with the school once the child has moved from Primary to Secondary. It provides triggers, practical solutions, ideas and encouragement to enable parents to proactively support their child’s learning in the home specifically around homework support. Further information and download instructions are provided on the Teachernet website.
Coaching Manual
This document is aimed at parents of teenagers aged 14 to 19 and addresses barriers to engagement (lack of time, confidence, not knowing how to help, etc), to help them to stay involved with their child’s education in the later stages of the learning journey. Further information and download instructions are provided on the Teachernet website.
Functional Skills Factsheet for Young People
This leaflet is aimed at young people and describes what the new Functional Skills Qualifications are and what they will mean to their futures, including further education and experience in the workplace. Further information and download instructions are provided on the Teachernet website.
My Money Week 2010 - Activity Packs
Two activity packs are available with the aim of inspiring primary and secondary teachers and their students to get involved in My Money Week. The packs contain flexible activity ideas to help teach personal finance across the curriculum in My Money Week and beyond. These are the two packs:
The packs cannot be ordered via the links above. Embedding the Play Strategy
This document provides guidance for local authorities, Children’s Trust Boards and Local Strategic Partnerships on planning and sustaining provision for children and young people’s play and informal recreation. Further information and download instructions are provided on the Teachernet website.
Leading improvement in school and across schools
These materials provide the fifth in a series of ‘Leading Improvement’ professional development materials, which are intended to inform ongoing discussions focusing on the leadership of improvement at national, local and school level. Further information and download instructions are provided on the Teachernet website.
Support for All: the Families and Relationships Green Paper
This Green Paper sets out a wide range of measures to support all families as they bring up their children and help families cope with times of stress and difficulty. The proposals recognise that while all families need some help, there are families in our society with complex needs and others who require additional - and sometimes non-negotiable - support. Further information and download instructions are provided on the Teachernet website.
RE non-statutory guidance 2010
This publication is aimed at local authorities, schools and education professionals. It aims to support the provision of high-quality religious education (RE) in maintained schools in England. It provides clear, non-statutory guidance about RE in the curriculum and the roles of those who have a responsibility for, involvement in or interest in the subject. Further information and download instructions are provided on the Teachernet website.
Thursday, 17th May 2012
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