ACT - The Association of Christian Teachers
for Christians working in education
'And we shouldn’t be afraid to say that British Values are not universal values. I often hear people react against the word ‘British’ in this context. But while they may not be unique to Britain, they are certainly not understood everywhere in the world. And even where they are understood and valued they aren’t always fully reflected in practice. We know, that even in the UK some children are being brought up in an environment that is actively hostile to some of these values.
So the education system has a vital role in inculcating and upholding them. Most children spend less than a fifth of their childhood hours in schools and most of the rest with their family. And so if children aren’t being taught these values at home, or worse are being encouraged to resist them, then schools are our main opportunity to fill that gap.'
This time last year, Labour was in disarray, a second leadership battle in as many years was about to come to a bitter end as it seemed that the party was fighting for its very existence. But according to its Shadow Education Secretary, these days Labour is effectively running the country. Angela Rayner, who was promoted to Labour’s frontbench just a year after being elected in 2015, believes that the Conservatives are in such a mess it is her own party that is in control and she is the de-facto Education Secretary.
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A new system for one-day school inspections could see schools graded as "good-ish" and will confuse parents, headteachers have warned.
The National Association of Headteachers criticised the new system proposed by Ofsted, which will allow schools which could have fallen below a previous "good" rating to escape full inspection for up to three years.
Nick Brook, deputy general secretary of NAHT, which represents leaders in the majority of schools in England, said a "cloud of uncertainty" would "linger over the school" until the second inspection.
"Until the inspectors return all the school community will be left with is a letter which outlines the misgivings of inspectors but only gives a vague 'not sure' or 'good-ish' verdict.
More than two-thirds of state schools are disenfranchised in elections to boards that make crucial decisions that could affect their future.
The Department for Education created a system of eight regional schools commissioners (RSCs) and headteacher boards (HTBs) in 2014 to make decisions about academies and free schools across England, but since then their powers over non-academies have increased.
Elections for four places on each HTB are currently underway, but a Tes investigation has raised questions about the legitimacy and effectiveness of the process. It has revealed that:
- More than two-thirds of state schools are not allowed to vote because they are not academies, even though they could all be directly affected by HTB decisions;
- Fewer academy leaders are standing in the elections despite a big rise in the number of academies since 2014;
- Three-quarters of the school leaders elected in 2014 have decided not to stand again.
"Historic" changes to the schools funding formula in England will make it fairer and more transparent, says Education Secretary Justine Greening.
Changes announced last December sparked protests from parents concerned their schools were set to lose out.
Ms Greening said she was increasing the basic level of funding schools would get per pupil - with a minimum level of £3,500 for primary schools by 2019-20.
But Labour said it would still mean a real terms cut, due to inflation.
- Vulnerable children need more funding.
- Weapons seized from schools.
- DfE challenges parents on SAT tweets.
- New centre for Excellence for Mental Health in Schools opens.
- NI education official says industrial action harms children's education.
- Pope Francis' Mega Youth Poll.
- The Archbishops Pastoral Letter during the election period.
- Questions over changes to National Curriculum under Mr Gove.
- Power to sack governors.
- 1p on tax to stop school budget cuts.
- Labour and LibDems pledge more money for education?
- Is education spending at its highest level?
- NAHT recruit new General Secretary
- No fence means special measures?
- Theresa May education upset.