North East School leaders respond on route to ‘full’ reopening

A month after the reopening U-turn at the beginning of this term, despite growing calls for plans to be put in place around the wider opening of schools, policymakers are still yet to announce clear guidance on reopening. While Gavin Williamson has stated that schools would receive two weeks notice, the Prime Minister announced this …

Schools Minister Nick Gibb pressed for clarification on a plan for the wider opening of schools

Shadow Education Secretary Kate Green MP tabled an urgent question on Tuesday, asking the Department for Education to make a statement on the Government’s plan for the reopening of educational settings. Schools Minister Nick Gibb was at the despatch box to respond. He said that the Government has been clear that education is a national …

Education select committee takes evidence on the impact of lockdown on early years

The House of Commons education select committee continued its inquiry into left behind white pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. The committee took evidence from children’s charities and policy experts, focusing on the impact on early years. The committee chair, Robert Halfon MP, started the session by asking about the impact of school closures on young children, …

Talking Heads – Leadership during a pandemic

We are looking at the experiences of our school leaders on the ground through lockdown and the pandemic. This week's 'Talking Heads' comes from Rachel Campbell and Emily Carr, Co-Head Teachers at Bishopton Pupil Referral Unit. We truly believe it is a privilege to work in school. To be able to support and inspire colleagues …

North East figures awarded Honours for services to Education

Schools North East Board Member Joanne Heaton has been awarded an OBE for services to Education. Jo became Chief Executive Officer of Northern Lights Learning Trust, Hartlepool last year and she is a valued board member of Schools North East.  She said: “I feel very lucky and privileged to have been given the opportunity to …

North East MPs question Education ministers

Education ministers faced MPs in the House of Commons on Monday during departmental questions, with most questions focused on the continuing impact of the pandemic on schools. Chair of the education select committee, Robert Halfon, asked about student wellbeing, noting that wellbeing is a predictor of later academic progression, expressing concerns over rocketing mental health …

Medical experts questioned on school closures by MPs

The House of Commons education select committee heard from experts this week to explore the scientific evidence behind the decision to close schools during the latest national lockdown, and transmission rates among children. Giving evidence were Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Jenny Harries, Professor Russell Viner, President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child …

Schools North East calls on Education Secretary to look at phased reopening

Options around reopening are already being discussed in the media, and there has been speculation that prioritisation of teachers for the vaccine could lead to fully reopening schools. Schools North East wrote to Gavin Williamson, Education Secretary, this week to highlight that contingency plans must be put in place as soon as possible and that …

Talking Heads – The Return to School Part 2

At the beginning of term our school leaders went from preparing their return, and even welcoming children back in on the first day, to remote learning again in less than 24 hours as lockdown was called. Some of our Head Teachers have shared their stories. Kate Chisholm - Skerne Park Academy Sitting down and switching …

Worth Less? Survey highlights school leaders’ lack of confidence in decision making

Schools North East partners at Worth Less? have undertaken a national survey of school leaders, seeking views on a number of issues relating to the pandemic including catch-up and recovery, the digital divide, mass testing and confidence in policymakers.  Key takeaways from the survey include overwhelming support for a national recovery plan, and acknowledgment that …