Newsbites – Childcare, Excellence & Budget
News/guidance/policy
Click the headings for the full article/briefing document.
DfE news story: Tax-Free Childcare – 10 things parents should know (updated)
18 March, 2016
Top ten things to know about the new Tax-Free Childcare scheme. Updated to reflect change to who is eligible – parents of the youngest children will now be able to apply first. Expected that this will be available to around 2m households.
DfE policy paper: Educational excellence everywhere
17 March, 2016
A white paper setting out our vision for schools in England with an introduction by Nicky Morgan confirming intentions for all schools to become academies.
TES: schools white paper summaries and commentary
TES coverage and summary of schools white paper, a definite must-read diverse quotes included:
It is neither complete nor flawless, but there is stuff to like in this White Paper.
We need to learn from the junior doctors and beat the Tories at their own game.
Forced academisation, shambolic assessment, budgets shrinking, teacher morale in crisis: is this the perfect educational storm?
Schools week: summary – The Education Excellence Everywhere White Paper : Everything you need to know
Nicky Morgan today revealed her white paper for education to drive “Education Excellence Everywhere”. Here is everything you need to know. The article considers a number of topics recruitment, great leaders, a school-led system, underperformance, expectations, accountability & resources.
Budget 2016
16 March 2016
The Independent: George Osborne – All schools to become academies within six years
16 March 2016
The Independent is reporting that George Osborne, in his budget today, will announce moves to force every English state school to leave council control and become an academy within six years.
Schools Week: 1,000 new multi-academy trusts needed by 2020, says national schools commissioners
11 March 2016
Schools Week is reporting that about 1,000 new multi-academy trusts will be created by 2020 with smaller chains having to grow to accommodate more schools, Sir David Carter warned as he explained his plans to carry out a “health check” of trusts before they could expand