News archive 1: 19-23 October

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19-23 october In the news this week: a mandatory duty for teachers to report FGM comes into force on 31 October, pupil absence rates have risen, and research suggests one in 33 pupils have been targeted by extremists while online at school.
21 october In the news today: DfE data suggests absence rates have risen due to more pupils being off sick, the Institute of Physics has published guidance calling for schools to appoint "gender champions", and the Local Government Association has claimed that government rules around term-time absence are not fair to some families.
22 october In the news today: a think tank report suggests that school budgets will see an 8% drop in real terms over the next five years, the DfE is consulting on powers to force the academisation of 'inadequate' schools, and Ofsted's chief inspector has accused schools of failing to promote vocational routes.
A third of top primaries producing below-average results, charity claims (21/10/2015) Research by a free schools charity suggests that a third of primaries rated 'good' or 'outstanding' are falling below the national average for KS2 attainment. However, Ofsted has pointed out that its judgements are based on more than results.
Consultation launched on academisation of 'inadequate' and 'coasting' schools (22/10/2015) The DfE has launched a consultation on powers to force the academisation of 'inadequate' schools, and intervention in 'coasting' schools and those that do not comply with a warning notice. Responses will also be sought on the definition of 'coasting' schools.
General studies a-level to be abolished (19/10/2015) It has been announced that AS and A-level general studies will not be available for teaching from 2017, as proposed subject content did not meet standards for reform. Though formerly the most popular A-level, entries for general studies have fallen in recent years.

Government unlikely to publish legal guidance on "new" grammar school Education secretary Nicky Morgan approved plans for an existing grammar school to open a new satellite site, despite warnings that the move would only have a 50% chance of standing up to a legal challenge. Shadow education secretary Lucy Powell has accused the government of trying to "subvert the law".
Illness behind rise in pupil absence rates, figures suggest (20/10/2015) DfE data suggests that pupil absence rates have risen, due mostly to an increase in days off due to illness. However, the persistent absence rate has remained static, and the proportion of absences due to holidays has fallen.
LGA calls for return to "common sense approach" on term-time holidays (21/10/2015) The Local Government Association has called for the government to drop the strict rules around term-time holidays. It claims that the policy does not account for the difficulties faced by lower-income families and parents with "unconventional" working arrangements.
Mps to investigate teacher recruitment "crisis" (19/10/2015) The Commons education select committee has launched an investigation into problems with teacher recruitment. The deadline for submitting written evidence to the inquiry is 20 November 2015.
School budgets to fall by 8% in real terms, think tank warns (22/10/2015) A report by the IFS predicts that school funding will fall by 8% in real terms over the next five years. It suggests that nominal increases in spending will be negated by rising costs and pupil numbers.
School leadership teams should have "gender champions", report says (20/10/2015) The Institute of Physics has published guidance calling for schools to tackle sexist language and gender stereotyping. It suggests that though most schools have policies relating to discrimination, not all teachers are aware of their contents.

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