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 below ...
GENERAL Education spending. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) published its latest major annual report into education spending in England acknowledging the pressures felt across most parts of education and the efforts by government to try and confront some of these but concluding that inflation, cash freezes and funding gaps have left all sectors feeling squeezed with things likely to remain very tight in the short to medium term. Bleak Christmas. The charity Action for Children highlighted the financial pressures facing many families as it published new survey evidence showing that 2.6m children are living in material deprivation, going as a result without the basics from food to warmth and potentially presents at Christmas. Children’s Charter. The charity Coram equally highlighted the challenges facing many children and families as it launched a carefully costed new Charter for Children built around three unlocking principles of a fair share of the nation’s resources, a secure future and an equal chance.
SCHOOLS ABS. The government launched the consultation on its proposed post-16 reforms coming under the Advanced British Standard (ABS,) calling for views on the nature and aims of the ABS, what it might look like, the impact on students and other qualifications, and plenty more. Exam queries 2023. Ofqual published a batch of data on reviews of marking and moderation, what used to be known as enquiries about results, for GCSE, AS and A level this summer, showing an increase in the number of reviews requested this year although down on the pre-pandemic year and with the percentage of grades changed this year also down on 2019. FSM effect. The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) and the NEU reported on their study on the effects of free school meals (FSM) on children and families in two London Boroughs pointing to the positive multiplier effect of benefits for children and families alike from such a system.
FE/SKILLS Commissioner’s report. The FE Commissioner published her annual report showing the work of her and her team over the 2022/23 year which saw a big rise in support visits at just under 300 over the year, help provided for some 13 colleges through intervention, and a range of close working with government and National Leaders on key policy and delivery issues. Skills Survey. The government published the report from its commissioned Employer Skills Survey for 2022 showing employers generally facing ‘a notable increase in skills challenges’ with hard to fill vacancies because of skill shortages evident in sectors like construction and IT and with skills gaps generally growing but at the same time, a reduction in training provided and in work experience opportunities. Skills for Life. The government outlined, the resources, toolkit and other publicity material now available to help with its campaign designed to encourage people of all ages to find out more about skills and technical courses ‘to help make the most of their potential’.
HE OfS review. The government published the terms of reference and scope of the review for the Office for Students (OfS) which will cover such aspects as its delivery, governance, accountability and efficiency, and aim to complete next May. Free speech. The Office for Students (OfS) launched consultations on its proposed free speech complaints scheme which will entitle individuals to raise concerns with a respective university, college or student union as well as place duties on student unions to secure legal free speech under monitoring by the OfS. TNE. The International HE Commission set out in a new report a number of proposals for strengthening transnational education (TND) and for supporting the UK role as a leader in this area, calling among other things for a dedicated UK marketing initiative, appropriate international data, and formalised targets as part of the next International Education Strategy.
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MONDAY 18 DECEMBER On this day in 1642 Abel Tasman's expedition was the first European voyage to reach New Zealand. On this day in 1912 the fossilised remains of 'Piltdown Man' were discovered in a gravel pit in Sussex, England. On this day in 2009 James Cameron's film 'Avatar' was released in the US and became the highest-grossing film of all time.
TUESDAY 19 DECEMBER On this day in 1783 William Pitt the Younger became the youngest ever British Prime Minister aged twenty-four. On this day in 1843 Charles Dickens’ classic story 'A Christmas Carol' was published with the first edition sold out by Christmas Eve. On this day in 1984 Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang and British PM Margaret Thatcher signed an agreement committing Britain to return Hong Kong to China in 1997.
WEDNESDAY 20 DECEMBER On this day in 1820 the state of Missouri in the USA imposed a $1 bachelor tax on unmarried men aged between twenty-one and fifty. On this day in 1960 the National Liberation Front, better known as the Viet Cong, was officially formed in South Vietnam. On this day in 2007 Queen Elizabeth II became the longest-living British monarch when she surpassed the reign of Queen Victoria.
THURSDAY 21 DECEMBER On this day in 1898 scientists Pierre and Marie Curie discovered radium. On this day in 1988 a terrorist bomb destroyed Pan Am Flight 103 in mid-air over Lockerbie, Scotland killing all passengers and crew on board as well as eleven people on the ground. On this day in 2012 the music video 'Gangnam Style' by Korean rapper Psy became the first YouTube video to reach one billion views.
FRIDAY 22 DECEMBER On this day in 1849 the execution by firing squad of Russian writer Fyodor Dostoyevsky was called off at the last moment. On this day in 1885 samurai Itō Hirobumi became the first Prime Minister of Japan. On this day in 1956 Colo, the first gorilla to be bred in captivity, was born at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio, USA.
Awareness days from around the world
DECEMBER IS UK: Decembeard. WORLDWIDE: Safe Toys & Gifts Month, International Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month, World Twin To Twin Transfusion Syndrome Awareness Month, Tomato And Winter Squash Month, Quince And Watermelon Month, Learn A Foreign Language Month, National Car Donation Month, National Pear Month, Worldwide Food Service Safety Month, Universal Human Rights Month, Spiritual Literacy Month, Root Vegetables and Exotic Fruits Month, Operation Santa Paws, National Tie Month, Write A Business Plan Month, National Human Rights Month, National Drunk & Drugged Driving Prevention Month, Bingo's Birthday Month, A Blue Christmas, Gift Of Sight Month.
THIS WEEK IS WORLDWIDE: Gluten-free Baking Week, Christmas Bird Count Week, Halcyon Days, Las Posadas, Saturnalia, Festival Of Winter Walks.
MONDAY 18 DECEMBER WORLDWIDE: International Migrants Day, Arabic Language Day, National Roast Suckling Pig Day, National Twin Day, Answer The Telephone Like Buddy The Elf Day, Bake Cookies Day.
TUESDAY 19 DECEMBER WORLDWIDE: National Hard Candy Day, National Oatmeal Muffin Day, Look for an Evergreen Day, National Emo Day.
WEDNESDAY 20 DECEMBER WORLDWIDE: International Human Solidarity Day, Go Caroling Day, National Sangria Day, Mudd Day, Games Day.
THURSDAY 21 DECEMBER WORLDWIDE: National Maine Day, National Flashlight Day, National French Fried Shrimp Day, Anne and Samantha Day, Yule, Winter Sostice, Phileas Fogg Win a Wager Day, National Homeless Persons' Remembrance Day, Bah Humbug Day, National Crossword Puzzle Day, National Re-gifting Day, National Short Story Day, International Dalek Remembrance Day, National Coquito Day, Don’t Make Your Bed Day, National Short Girl Appreciation Day, Ribbon Candy Day, Look On The Bright Side Day, International Energy Drink Day.
FRIDAY 22 DECEMBER WORLDWIDE: National Date Nut Bread Day, Forefathers Day, Mathematics Day, National Cookie Exchange Day, National Short Person Day.
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