With Christmas just around the corner, there’s just time for one more edition of the Friday Five; we bring you all the latest news from the worlds of healthcare, social care, education, and recovery and criminal justice, putting them all together for you in one, easy to read package.
What’s not to like? Without further ado, then, here’s your Friday Five!
1. Healthcare: JN.1 COVID Variant Spreading Rapidly (Variant of Interest)
A COVID “variant of interest” has been identified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) because of its rapid spread. This is its second-highest class of monitoring behind variants of concern. The variant, which made up only 3% of infections in November, now makes up 27%.
However, given that vaccinations against the virus still provide good protection, the WHO has classified the current level of risk as low. Speaking to the Washington Post on the timing with the holiday season, epidemiologist Katelyn Jetelina said, “I don’t think we need to cancel our holidays … It’s just less than optimal timing”.
2. Education: A New BSL GCSE is Coming to Classrooms
Following an incredibly positive response to a 12-week public consultation, in which deaf and hearing organisations, parents and teachers all gave their support to the introduction of a British Sign Language (BSL) GCSE, the GCSE has had its subject content published this week. This, according to a press release from the government.
Speaking on the announcement, education secretary Gillian Keegan said: “Studying British Sign Language can open so many doors for young people, giving pupils an understanding of how thousands of people communicate and ultimately even expanding job prospects”.
3. Recovery and Criminal Justice: New Joint Inspection Published on the Quality of Care Received by Victims
A new report published jointly by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), His Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation (HMI Probation) found that many victims were not receiving service of good quality.
The comprehensive report made six recommendations in total, including that “By 31 December 2024, the Ministry of Justice, Home Office and Attorney General’s Office should work together to use this inspection as the basis for a broader and fundamental review of the experience of victims of crime, involving other Government departments and agencies as necessary”.
4. Healthcare: COVID and Flu Levels Rising in the UK
England is seeing increased rates of both COVID and flu this winter season. Health officials are stressing the importance of vaccinations against these respiratory illnesses. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) suggests antiviral medicine for some patients with influenza-like symptoms.
Laboratory data indicates a significant increase in influenza positivity and a rise in hospital admissions due to flu. Additionally, COVID-19 infection rates are climbing across various regions and age groups. Authorities advise vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant women, to get vaccinated against both diseases for better protection.
5. Education: Head’s Suicide Must Lead to Ofsted Action, Says Coroner
Following the suicide of head teacher Ruth Perry, a coroner has issued a prevention-of-future-deaths notice to Ofsted and the education secretary, citing concerns over inspection processes.
The inquest found that an Ofsted inspection contributed to Perry’s death, highlighting the lack of training for inspectors to recognise distress in school leaders and unclear procedures for raising concerns during inspections.
Perry’s school was downgraded from “outstanding” to “inadequate”, causing her significant distress. The coroner called for policy revisions to address these issues.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it: five of the most noteworthy news stories from healthcare, social care, education, recovery, and criminal justice to take us through until Christmas.
If you’d like to learn more about any of our roles in these sectors, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
