LOOKING BACK AT THE WEEK THAT WAS Three of the week's headlines ... Parents whose children miss school face harsher fines depending where they live. Read more Behaviour adviser urges English schools to crack down on pupils' vaping. Read more Survey: Most UK students say their universities are places of free speech and debate. Read more View our new education news page for all this week's news Three pieces of policy news - by phase Follow this link to view the full version of Steve Besley's popular policy round-up - including an overview of all the important stories, his top headlines of the week, tweets and posts of note, the most memorable quotes, not-to-be-missed statistics and what to look out for next week. As your starter for ten we've chosen three items from each phase to include below ... GENERAL Growth Plan. The government confirmed in an updated statement that it was sticking with its spending plans but would equally announce further growth measures during the next two months and hold another fiscal event with Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) projections on 23 November. Stress tests. The Bank of England outlined the tests, such as a peaking of inflation and a doubling of unemployment, that it will be using for its 2022 annual cyclical scenario stress testing of the UK banking system. Starmer speech. Sir Keir Starmer promised a New Deal for Working People, a new target on home ownership (70%,) a Green Prosperity Plan encompassing a publicly owned Great British Energy Company, and revitalised public services as he used his Leader’s Speech at the Party Conference to set out his stall for an incoming Labour government.  SCHOOLS level exams next summer will ‘largely’ return to pre-pandemic normal, albeit with the continued use of formulae and equation sheets in GCSE maths and sciences and with grading aligned with pre-attainment data.  And if exams couldn’t take place. The government and Ofqual launched consultation on what would happen in the very unlikely event that exams could not take place next summer, proposing the use of Teacher Assessed Grades (TAGs) as previously but with clearer guidance on the gathering, marking and storing of assessment evidence to limit concerns and burdens where possible. Shadow Education Secretary’s speech. Bridget Phillipson, the Shadow Education Secretary, confirmed Labour plans to extend breakfast clubs for primary schools in England as well as fund a major school improvement programme in her speech to the Labour Party Conference. FE/SKILLS Labour on skills.The Labour leadership confirmed plans to reform the apprenticeship levy, devolve adult skills spending and set up a new expert body as part of its skills plans, with details to follow in a report expected in the coming weeks.  Towards full employment.The Learning and Work Institute called in a new report for a big push on increasing the employment rate in the UK, aiming to take it from 75% to 80% over the next decade or so by helping those currently inactive as well as others into work, arguing that this could boost the economy by £23bn.  HIGHER EDUCATION Cost-of-living. The Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) offered guidance to providers on managing issues that may arise from the cost-of-living crisis, encouraging for example student unions and institutions generally to publicise sources of help, recognising that some students may need to work p/time, and generally being prepared to respond to student needs sensitively. Student cost-of-living. The NUS reported on its research into the cost-of-living challenges facing students this year with case study evidence on where and what students were cutting back on and what effect this was having, calling for a new deal for students with practical measures, such as dedicated hardship funds and accommodation support, from both government and providers. Free speech. King’s College Policy Institute reported on its research into the state of free speech in UK universities suggesting that few students have heard of the Freedom of Speech Bill and most (65%) feel that free speech is protected in their university, although a growing minority (34%) do feel it’s under threat. Access all issues of Steve Besley's Education Eye Latest research, reports and studies Evaluation of the Teaching and Leadership Innovation Fund (TLIF) | NFER Plan B research funding: Turning adversity into opportunity | HEPI Refugee integration - employment, language and wellbeing support key, report finds | Bell Foundation The impact of Success for All on students' reading achievement | Best Evidence In Brief A sight word intervention improves deaf students' literacy | Best Evidence In Brief Evaluation of an online computer programming training approach with precision feedback | Best Evidence In Brief These are our stories: Affording children and teachers' voices in participatory research | BERA Talking back to the securitisation of higher education classrooms | BERA Search our education research section COMING UP IN THE NEXT WEEK Parliament and elsewhere Labour Party Annual Conference (Sunday 25 September – Wednesday 28 September). Conservative Party Annual Conference (Sunday 2 October – Wednesday 5 October). Events and CPD opportunities Monday 03 October: ASCL Data and Regulation Conference | ASCL (in-person conference in central London) Monday 03 October: OfS revised B3 condition on student outcomes | AOC (webinar) Tuesday 04 October: Leading On - Developing the SLT: Roles and Responsibilities | ASCL (webinar) Tuesday 04 October: Best practice tips to support LDD learners from day one and build a more inclusive, quality-focused learner journey | AOC (webinar) Tuesday 04 October: Introducing the Higher Development Award for the NHS – opportunity for colleges to deliver in partnership | AOC (webinar) Tuesday 04 October: Successfully Preparing to Grow Your MAT | Inside Government (online course) Tuesday 04 October: Leading On - Appraisal is changing: A guide to adopting a developmental approach (webinar) Tuesday 04 October: Leading On - Your First Year as a New Headteacher | ASCL (webinar) Wednesday 05 October: MBA Market 411: The Scoop on How to Stand Out in the Crowd | The Pie (webinar) Wednesday 05 October: AoC HR and Employment Law Conference 2022  | AOC (two-day online conference) Thursday 06 October: Next steps for school buildings in England  | Westminster Forum Projects (online conference) Thursday 06 October: Children in Care and Care Leavers Forum 2022 (forum in Central London) Saturday 08 October: researchED Surrey | researchED (in-person event in Surrey) Running an education-related event that you'd like to see included in our calendar? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with details and a link to the booking info. See all events Three interesting daily facts MONDAY 03 OCTOBER On this day in 1952 the first British atomic bomb was tested off the coast of Australia. On this day in 1959 postcodes were introduced in Britain. On this day in 1990 East and West Germany formally united, ending 45 years of Cold War division.   TUESDAY 04 OCTOBER On this day in 1830 Belgium was proclaimed independent. On this day in 1983 the first Orient Express train left Paris for Constantinople (now Istanbul). On this day in 1957 Russia launched the space satellite Sputnik 1, the first man-made object to leave the Earth’s atmosphere.   WEDNESDAY 05 OCTOBER On this day in 1917 Sir Arthur Lee donated Chequers as a country retreat for prime ministers. On this day in 1936 200 men set out on the Jarrow march to London in protest at severe unemployment and poverty in northeast England. On this day in 1964 57 East German refugees escaped to West Berlin after tunnelling under the Berlin Wall – the largest mass escape since the wall was built in 1961.   THURSDAY 06 OCTOBER On this day in 1536 William Tyndale, translator of the Bible into English, was burnt at the stake in Brussels. On this day in 1890 the Mormons in Utah renounced Bigamy. On this day in 1981 Anwar Sadat, president of Egypt, was assassinated by Islamic militants at a military parade.   FRIDAY 07 OCTOBER On this day in 1763 George III issued Proclamation of 1763, closing lands in North America north and west of Alleghenies to white settlement. On this day in 1919 KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) was founded, making it the oldest airline in the world still operating under its original name. On this day in 2001 the US began Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, starting with an air assault and covert operations on the ground.   SATURDAY 08 OCTOBER On this day in 1085 St Mark’s Cathedral in Venice was consecrated. On this day in 1769 Captain James Cook landed in New Zealand at Poverty Bay on the East Coast of the North Island. On this day in 1945 the microwave oven was patented by US inventor Percy Spencer.   SUNDAY 09 OCTOBER On this day in 1000 Leif Ericson discovered ‘Vinand’, thought to be L’Anse aux Meadows in Canada), reputedly becoming the first European to reach North America. On this day in 1701 Yale College received its charter. On this day in 1779 the first Luddite riots, against the introduction of machinery for spinning cotton, began in Manchester. Awareness days from around the world OCTOBER IS:    UK: Go Sober for October, Book Month, Black History Month, Unblocktober, Arts and Humanities Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Mental Health Month, Museums and Galleries Month, Learning and Development Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Cholesterol Month, Pituitary Awareness Month, Lupus Awareness Month, UDEP Action Month, Crime Prevention Month, Fire Prevention Month, Computer Learning Month, Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month, Seed Gathering Season.   INTERNATIONAL: Global Diversity Awareness Month, School Libraries Month, Walk to School Month, The Big Draw, Fair Trade Month, World Animal Month, World Autism Month, World Habitat Awareness Month, World Menopause Month, ADHD Awareness Month, AIDS Awareness Month, Blindness Awareness Month, Bat Appreciation Month, Dyslexia Awareness Month, CMT Awareness Month, Family History Month, Halloween Safety Month, Healthy Lung Month, Health Literacy Month, Dysautonomia Awareness Month, Celebrate the Bilingual Child Month, Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Eat Better-Eat Together Month, Emotional Wellness Month, Head Start Awareness Month, Long Term Care Planning Month, Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, Critical Illness Awareness Month, Liver Awareness Month, Spina Bifida Awareness Month, Prenatal-onset GBS Disease Recognition Month, Rett Syndrome Awareness Month,    US & CANADA: Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, Canadian Library Month, LGBTQ+ History Month, Cyber Security Awareness Month, Depression Education and Awareness Month, Dental Hygiene/Orthodontic Health Month, Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, Black Cat Awareness Month, Pet Wellness Month, Physical Therapy Month, Work and Family Month, Indigenous Peoples Month, Polish American Heritage Month, Italian-American Heritage Month, German-American Heritage Month, Filipino American History Month, Pasta Month, Pizza Month, Pescatarian Month, Disability Employment Awareness Month, Caffeine Addiction Recovery Month, American Cheese Month, American Pharmacists Month, Country Music Month, Church Library Month, Contact Lens Safety Month, Eye Injury Prevention Month, Financial Planning Month, Hog Out Month, Animal Safety and Protection Month, Apple Month, Caramel Month, Chili Month, Chiropratic Month, Cookbook Month, Cookie Month, Audiology Awareness Month, Dessert Month, Ergonomics Month, Medical Librarians Month, Non-GMO Month, Pickled Petters Month, Pitbull Awareness Month, Pretzel Month, Protect Your Hearing Month, Sausage Month, Squirrel Awareness Month, Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15).   THIS WEEK IS: Dyslexia Awareness Week (International), World Space Week (International), Active Ageing Week (International), Manufacturing Week (International), Walk Your Dog Week (International – from October 01 to October 07), Humphrey’s Pyjama Week (UK), Hygiene Week (UK), Curry Week (UK), Baby Swimming Week (UK), Back Care Awareness Week (UK), The Children’s Trust/Humphreys Pyjama Week (UK), Public Health Workforce Week (UK), Dyspraxia Awareness Week (UK – from October 09), Road Safety Week (Ireland), Baby Loss Awareness Week (US), Cycle to School Week (US), Animal Welfare Week (US), Fire Prevention Week (US). MONDAY 03 OCTOBER Durga Ashtami (Religious – Hindu), Nepal: Maha Ashtami (Religious – Hindu), World Architecture Day (International), World Habitat Day (UN), Buy British Day (UK), Unity Day (Germany), Child Health Day (US), Consignment Day (US), Bullying Prevention Awareness Day (US), Boyfriend Day (US), Mean Girls Day (US), Kevin Day (US), Techies Day (US), Virus Appreciation Day (US), Independence Day (Iraq), Labour Day (Australia). TUESDAY 04 OCTOBER Navratri: Ayudha Puja (Religious – Hindu), Maha Navami (Religious – Hindu), India: Navami of Durga Puja (Religious – Hindu), The Martyrdom of Imam Hassan al-Askari (Islamic), Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (Religious – Catholic/Christian), World Animal Day (International), World Habitat Day (International), World Dyslexia Day (US), Cinnamon Roll Day (International), No Disposable Cup Day (UK), Independence Day (Lesotho), Chung Yeung Festival (China), Truckers Appreciation Day (US), Fruit at Work Day (US), Vodka Day (US), Improve Your Office Day (US), Golf Lovers Day (US), Deficit Day (US), Taco Day (US), Vodka Day (US), Ship in a Bottle Day (US). WEDNESDAY 05 OCTOBER Nepal: Dashain/Bijaya Dashami (Religious – Hindu), Durga Puja: Vijaydashmi/Dusshera (Religious – Hindu), Yom Kippur (Religious – Jewish), India: Janmotsav of Srimanta Sankardev (Religious), World Teachers Day (International), Walk to School Day (International), World Meningitis Day (International), Balloons Around the World Day (International), Global James Bond Day (International), Kale Day (UK), Country Inn Bed & Breakfast Day (UK), Republic Day (Portugal), Energy Efficiency Day (US), Pumpkin Seed Day (US), Apple Betty Day (US), Get Funky Day (US), Do Something Nice Day (US), Above the Bus Day (US), Random Acts of Poetry Day (US), Rhode Island Day (US), Coffee With A Cop Day (US), Kiss a Wrestler Day (US), Military Podcast Day (US), Canadian Beer Day (US & Canada), Semana Morazanica (Honduras).    THURSDAY 06 OCTOBER Bring Your Bible to School Day (Religious – Catholic/Christian), World Dyslexia Awareness Day (International), World Cerebral Palsy Day (International), Poetry Day (UK), Badger Day (UK), Armed Forces Day (Egypt), October Liberatory War Day (Syria), Earthquake Memorial Day (Turkmenistan), Coaches Day (US), Depression Screening Day (US), Inbox Zero Day (US), Transfer Money to Your Daughter Day (US), Energy Geek Day (US), Physician Assistant Day (US), Noodle Day (US), Badger Day (US), Mad Hatter Day (US), German-American Day (US), Plus Size Appreciation Day (US), Women-Owned Business Day (US), Isabella Day (US), Orange Wine Day (US).   FRIDAY 07 OCTOBER World Smile Day (International), Day of Peaceful Communication (International), World Cotton Day (International), Wakey Wakey Hospice Day (UK), Kale Day (UK), Boycott Your Bed Day (UK),  Forgiveness and Happiness Day (US), You Matter to Me Day (US), Frappe Day (US), Lee National Denim Day (US), Plaidurday Day (US), Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day (US), Team Margot Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Awareness Day (US), Kids Music Day (US), Manufacturing Day (US), Body Language Day (US), Inner Beauty Day (US), LED Light Day (US), Jonathan Day (US). SATURDAY 08 OCTOBER Mawlid/Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Religious – Muslim), Myanmar Full Moon of Thadingyut (Religious – Buddhist), Al-Mouled Al-Nabawy (Islamic), Birth Registration Day (International), Podiatry Day (International), World Octopus Day (International), Universal Music Day (International), World Hospice & Palliative Care Day (International), African Penguin Awareness Day (International), Newspaper Carrier Day (International), World Migratory Bird Day (UN), Croatian Parliament Day (Croatia), Indian Air Force Day (India), Battle of Angamos (Peru), Discovery of America Day (Honduras), Costume Swap Day (US), Motorcycle Ride Day (US), I Love Yarn Day (US), Fluffernutter Day (US), Chess Day (US), Pierogi Day (US),  Harbormaster Appreciation Day (US), Salmon Day (US), American Touch Tag Day (US).   SUNDAY 09 OCTOBER Valmiki Jayanti (Religious – Hindu), Sukkot (Religious – Jewish: from 09 October to 16 October), Vap Full Moon Poya (Buddhist), Beer and Pizza Day (International), World Hospice & Palliative Care Day (International), World Post Day (UN), Alvin C York Day (US), Leif Erikson Day (US), Grandparents Day (Germany), Independence Day (Ecuador), Hangul Day (South Korea), Independence Day (Uganda), White Sunday (Samoa), Scrubs Day (US), Curious Events Day (US), Moldy Cheese Day (US), Curious Events Day (US), C60 Day (US), Digitool Day (US), Pro-Life Cupcake Day (US), Pastor Appreciation Day (US). 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