LOOKING BACK AT THE WEEK THAT WAS Three of the week's headlines ... Schools across England are being forced to keep the heating off  ‘until it’s freezing’ and increase class sizes to save money. Read more One hundred universities in the UK have pledged to divest from fossil fuels, equating to 65% of the country’s HE sector. Read more New guidance warns schools not to penalise or exclude pupils for wearing hair in natural afro styles, plaits, braids or cornrows. Read more Visit EdNews to filter all the education news by phase or topic Three pieces of policy news - by phase Follow this linkto 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 New PM’s speech. Rishi Sunak outlined the challenges facing the government and the country as he addressed the nation for the first time as PM, confirming a commitment to stick to the 2019 mandate with its pledge on ‘good schools’ among other things. What school did you go to? The Sutton Trust provided its regular analysis of the education background of the new Cabinet noting that 61% were educated at fee paying schools and 23% went to a comprehensive, with Oxbridge remaining the top HE route for many.  People profession 2022. The CIPD in conjunction with Workday published its latest snapshot from those in HR highlighting the work of the profession in supporting employee welfare and pointing to the prioritisation by companies on reskilling and upskilling as they seek to build momentum post-pandemic.   SCHOOLS Funding crisis. Leading education bodies called in an open letter to Conservative MPs to acknowledge the extent of the funding crisis currently affecting schools and colleges, and urging them to put pressure on the new PM to commit to meeting funding needs. School funding. The Education Policy Institute published its assessment of the current school funding situation based on IfS analysis, concluding that costs and inflation meant that the current funding settlement would continue to leave schools short and disadvantaged groups vulnerable. And more on funding. The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) published the results of a survey of over 600 school and college leaders with 60% reporting that they’d have to make savings both this year and into the future with class sizes and staff numbers both in the firing line.   FE/SKILLS Post-16 funding. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IfS) considered the latest position on post-16 funding acknowledging that the government had increased funding for both FE colleges and sixth forms for 2023/4 but pointing to the fact that inflation, rising costs, catch-up demands, pay expectations, and increased numbers of young people staying on in education were all adding to the pressures, with the prospect of future cuts very worrying.  Skills report. The Council of Skills Advisers, set up by Keir Starmer last autumn under the stewardship of David Blunkett to provide policy recommendations for the Labour Party on the issue of skills, published its report, coming up with over 20 proposals, some more familiar than others, covering everything from early years to adult and lifelong learning. T levels review. Ofsted published an interim report on the new T levels, drawing on evidence from visits to 24 providers and finding at this early stage a mixed picture with some concerns about how well prepared staff and students were for the demands of the work and some particular concerns about the Transition Programme, pointing to recommendations for all bodies accordingly.   HIGHER EDUCATION University applications. UCAS reported on 2023 applications as of the mid-October deadline, pointing to ‘a slight fall’ in numbers so far including among disadvantaged UK 18-year-olds as well as international students, with the return of formal exams and concerns about the cost-of-living both seen as factors. Strike action. The University and College Union (UCU) reported on the results of its latest ballots over strike action, pointing to a majority in both the pay and pension ballots, and confirming that a plan for action would be determined next week. Student satisfaction. The Office for Students (OfS) spelt out the changes being made as part of ‘the shake-up’ of the National Student Survey which will include now a question on mental health as well as (in England) on freedom of expression along with a clearer form of responding. Access all issues of Steve Besley's Education Eye Latest research, reports and studies Reading to dogs in schools: Misguided fad or effective research-backed intervention? | BERA What can we learn from TLIF about how to support schools in challenging circumstances? | NFER Pupil wellbeing in Essex | EPI How can equity in children's early learning be achieved? | OECD The National Tutoring Programme Year 2: Implementation and Process Evaluation | NFER Radical imagination: Enacting anti-racist practice and decolonial praxis in initial teacher education in England | BERA Current estimates of school funding pressures | EPI Latest trends in further education and sixth form spending in England | Institute for Fiscal Studies Report: Apprenticeships outcomes report | Learning & Work Institute Science communication: Creativity and empathy | BERA GCSE data reveals Covid's impact on disadvantaged schools | NFER Search our education research section COMING UP IN THE NEXT WEEK Parliament and elsewhere Deadline day for 2023 secondary school applications (Monday 31 October). Westminster Hall Debate on ‘RE in modern Britain’ (Tuesday 1 November). New Statesman debate on skills and productivity (Tuesday 1 November). Westminster Hall debate on the contribution of international students to the UK (Wednesday 2 November). Events and CPD opportunities Monday 31 October: Immigration & Student Visa Webinar | AoC (online event) Tuesday 2501 November:  Next steps for Alternative Provision and tackling school exclusions in England | Westminster Forum Projects (online conference) Tuesday 01 November: Leading On - The Future of the School Sixth Form: What do I need to know? | ASCL (online event) Wednesday 02 November: Leading On - The Road to Zero Exclusions | ASCL (webinar) Wednesday 02 November: Conversations For Change: The Future Of Education For Global Climate Justice | UKFIET (in-person event in Central London) Thursday 03 November: Leading On - Pastoral Care for Schools in the 21st Century | ASCL (online event) Thursday 03 November: SET Conference 2022 | SET (one day conference in Birmingham) Thursday 03 November: Trust Leaders: Executive Programme | Leading resource deployment (Module 4) | ASCL (one-day in-person session in Birmingham) Thursday 03 November: RSHE Digital Masterclass: Effective subject leadership | Optimus Education (Online Event) 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 31 OCTOBER On this day in 1815 Sir Humphrey Davy patented the miner’s safety lamp. On this day in 1933 the carving of the heads of four US presidents on Mount Rushmore in South Dakota was completed. On this day in 1951 Britain’s first zebra crossings were introduced.   TUESDAY 01 NOVEMBER On this day in 1512 the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo, was exhibited to the public for the first time. On this day in 1695 the Bank of Scotland was founded. On this day in 1755 an earthquake and tsunami destroyed Lisbon, killing more than 60,000 people.   WEDNESDAY 02 NOVEMBER On this day in 1859 American abolitionist John Brown was sentenced to hang after being found guilty of murder, inciting slaves to revolt, and treason against the Virginia territory during his raid of Harpers Ferry Armory. On this day in 1880 James A Garfield was elected the 20th US President. On this day in 1917 the Balfour Declaration conveyed the British government’s approval of establishing a Jewish homeland in Palestine.   THURSDAY 03 NOVEMBER On this day in 1394 Jews were expelled from France by Charles VI. On this day in 1534 parliament passed the Act of Supremacy, making King Henry VIII and all subsequent monarchs the Head of the Church of England. On this day in 1640 the English Long Parliament formed.   FRIDAY 04 NOVEMBER On this day in 1843 a two-day operation to haul the statue of Nelson to the top of  the170ft column in Trafalgar Square was completed. On this day in 1922 Howard Carter found the entrance to the tomb of Tutankhamen. On this day in 2008 Barack Obama became the first US president of African-American descent.   SATURDAY 05 NOVEMBER On this day in 1854 French and British forces defeated the Russians at the Battle of Inkerman, during the Crimean War. On this day in 1991 newspaper publisher Robert Maxwell disappeared from his yacht Lady Ghislaine off Tenerife. On this day in 2006 former ruler of Iraq Saddam Hussein was sentenced to death.   SUNDAY 06 NOVEMBER On this day in 1429 the seven-year-old Henry VI was crowned King of England. On this day in 1844 Spain granted the Dominican Republic independence. On this day in 1999 Australians voted in a referendum to reject replacing the Queen as head of state. Awareness days from around the world NOVEMBER IS:    WORLDWIDE: Bereaved Siblings Month,  Movember 2022 - Men's Health Awareness Month, Mouth Cancer Action Month 2022, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month 2022, Veg Pledge 2022 UK: Lung Cancer Awareness Month,  Novel Writing Month, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month 2022 Veg Pledge 2022 US & CANADA: Adopt a Turkey Month, Adopt A Senior Pet Month Bladder Health Month, Adoption Month, Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month,  American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, Career Development Month, Children’s Month, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Awareness Month, Consciousness Month for Punctuality and Civility, COPD Awareness Month, Diabetes Month, Diabetic Eye Disease Month, Entrepreneurship Month, Family Caregivers Month,  Family Literacy Month, Family Stories Month, Filipino Values Month, Fun with Fondue Month, Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month, Gratitude Month, Home Care and Hospice Month, Impotency Month, Inspirational Role Models Month, Islamophobia Awareness Month, Library and Information Services Month, Long-term Care Awareness Month, Manatee Awareness Month , Marrow Awareness Month, Military Family Month, Movember, National Native American Heritage Month, Peanut Butter Lovers Month, Pepper Month, National Pet Cancer Awareness Month,  Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation Month, National Pomegranate Month, Prevent a Litter Month, Raisin Bread Month, Repair Done Right Month, Rice Awareness Month, Roasting Month, Scholarship Month, No-Shave November, Pet Diabetes Month, PTA Healthy Lifestyles Month, Stomach Cancer Awareness Month, Traditional and Alternative Health Month ,  OTHER COUNTRIES: Philippine Book Development Month (Philippines).   THIS WEEK IS: International Brain Tumour Awareness Week (29 Oct 2022 to 5 Nov 2022), World Communication Week (International), National Fig Week (US),  Medical Cannabis Week (US), Pushkar Camel Fair Pushkar (India). From Sunday (all US): Benjamin Banneker Week, Dear Santa Letter Week, Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, Rad Tech Week, Radiologic Technology Week   MONDAY 31 OCTOBER WORLDWIDE: Samhain (Religious: Pagan and Wiccan – evening of 31 October to evening of 01 November), Halloween, World Cities Day, World Savings Day UK: Bug Busting Day US & CANADA Magic Day, Girl Scout Founder’s Day, Caramel Apple Day, Doorbell Day, Knock-Knock Jokes Day.  OTHER COUNTRIES: October Bank Holiday (Ireland), Reformation Day 2022 (Religious: Protestant Christian festival in Germany, Slovenia and Chile).   TUESDAY 01 NOVEMBER WORLDWIDE: All Saints' Day (Religious: Catholic/Christian), Samhain (Religious: Pagan and Wiccan), World Vegan Day 2022, Scented Candle Day, Prime Meridian Day , Special Interest, Educational, Environment, Historical, International Pet Groomer Appreciation Day  UK: Purple Tuesday, Calan Gaeaf (Wales). US & CANADA: Cook For Your Pets Day, Authors’ Day, D. Hamilton Jackson Day,  Deep Fried Clams Day, Family Literacy Day, Vinegar Day, Hello Kitty Day, ​Calzone Day, Extra Mile Day , Food & Beverage, Biologic Coordinators Day, Brush Day, Cinnamon Day, Men Make Dinner Day, Jayden Day, Mia Day, Autistics Speaking Day, Biologic Coordinators Day, Calzone Day, Cinnamon Day, Pâté Day, Stress Awareness Day OTHER COUNTRIES: Anniversary of the Revolution (Algeria), Antigua Independence Day  (Antigua),  Melbourne Cup Day (Australia), Haryana Day (India), Kannada Rajyothsava (India), Kut (India), Puducherry Liberation Day (India), Marlborough Anniversary Day (New Zealand). WEDNESDAY 02 NOVEMBER WORLDWIDE: All Souls Day (Religious – Catholic and Christian), Feast of St. Giusto (Religious – Christian), International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, World Ballet Day. US & CANADA: Advent Calendar Day, Arrival of Indentured Labourers, Be the Impact Day, Broadcast Traffic Professionals Day, Deviled Egg Day, Dynamic Harmlessness Day, Look for Circles Day, Ohio Day, Stress Awareness Day,  Traffic Directors Day,  OTHER COUNTRIES: Kannada Rajyothsava (India), Kut (India), Day of the Dead (Mexico),   THURSDAY 03 NOVEMBER WORLDWIDE: International Stout Day  UK: No Dig Day, US & CANADA: Men Make Dinner Day (Must Cook. No BBQ Allowed!), Homemaker Day, Housewife’s Day, Sandwich Day, Cliche Day, Give Someone a Dollar Day, Jellyfish Day, Project Management Day, Separation Day, Smart Home Day. OTHER COUNTRIES: UAE Flag Day (UAE), Dominican Independence Day, Independence of Cuenca, Japanese Culture Day  Maldives Victory Day, Thanksgiving (Liberia).    FRIDAY 04 NOVEMBER UK: Roast Dinner Day US & CANADA: Candy Day, Chicken Lady Day, Love Your Lawyer Day, Day of Community Service, Easy-Bake Oven Day, Jersey Friday, Melanie Day, Fountain Pen Day, Use Your Common Sense Day, Waiting for the Barbarians Day  OTHER COUNTRIES: National Unity and Armed Forces Day (Italy), Flag Day in Panama, Russia's Day of Unity    SATURDAY 05 NOVEMBER WORLDWIDE: International Stout Day, World Numbat Day, World Tsunami Awareness Day (UN) UK: Guy Fawke's Night, Bonfire Night, Gunpowder Day. US & CANADA: Bison Day, Doughnut Appreciation Day, Chinese Take Out Day, Erik Day, Love Your Red Hair Day, Luke Day, Redhead Day    SUNDAY 06 NOVEMBER   WORLDWIDE: Environment Conflict Day (UN), World Let’s Stop Shouting Day, International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict , US & CANADA: Nachos Day, Saxophone Day, Daylight Savings End, Marooned Without a Compass Day, Ladies Learning Code Day, Michele Day, Report Home Health Care Fraud Day, Saxophone Day, Team Manager Day, Zero Tasking Day OTHER COUNTRIES: Day of Liberation of Kyiv (Ukraine). Share Tweet Forward   Not already an EdCentral member? 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