News stories come a dime a dozen in the education sector, and we know how easy it can be to miss the most crucial items. But don’t worry, because that’s where we come in! This is your very first education edition of the Friday Five, your weekly round up of all the most noteworthy, recent news items. What’s been going on in the world of education, then?
1. Teaching Shortage as New Teachers Opt for International Alternatives
Newly qualified teachers are opting to work overseas, leading to worries of teacher shortages, according to the Guardian. Shortages have been particularly bad in some areas, including MFLs and maths, and there’s no one straightforward remedy to the issue. Some options, though, include:
- Reducing teacher workloads
- Better financial incentives
- More of an opportunity for CPD, particularly for non-specialists
2. New Ofsted Director of Education Announced
Ofsted has appointed Lee Owston as its new Director of Education, taking over from Chris Russell, who has spent the best part of two decades at Ofsted. His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman, had this to say on the announcement:
“I congratulate Lee on his appointment as National Director, Education and I know that this will be a smooth transition given his extensive experience.”
3. More Funding Wanted in Autumn Statement
Various unions have called upon Jeremy Hunt to announce more funding for schools in his upcoming autumn statement. The unions (four, in total) have called for £1.7 billion more to go towards schools, to retain current teachers and recruit new ones, and to prevent the need for “further cuts in provision”.
4. The Latest on RAAC
Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) has been all over the news in recent months, with the less dense and durable form of concrete proving a safety risk and causing many schools to be shut so that it can be removed, or the hazard mitigated.
As of 16 October, there were 214 confirmed cases of schools and colleges where RAAC was present. Fortunately, face-to-face learning has been maintained in many of these cases.
The DfE has also published some guidance for schools, with frequently asked questions (FAQs) on everything from what to do if you identify RAAC to whether to notify the RPA (Risk Protection Arrangement).
5. Ofsted Criticises Lack of Connectivity Between Departments
Ofsted has recently criticised the lack of connected working between police, social care, health services and schools, stating that:
“Join-up between schools or other education providers and partner agencies was weak. Schools have a critical role to play, and more needs to be done so that agencies see them as a key partner.”
The watchdog surmised that:
“There needs to be a shared understanding of what early help is among all relevant professionals and partners, including schools.”
The better connected the various authorities and sectors are, the better their overall performance – something echoed by Ofsted’s findings.
Final Thoughts
From funding pleas to teacher shortages, there’s certainly a lot to be keeping an eye on. Make sure you don’t miss a thing by reading our weekly Friday Five: Education edition, and we’ll see you next time!
