Lydia Chantler-Hicks

A new 'independent advisory group' set up by @NAHTnews is to scrutinise the effect new Ofsted inspections have on school leader wellbeing. Ofsted has agreed to sit on the panel, which follows concerns new inspections place extra pressure on leaders schoolsweek.co.uk/ofsted-plans-c…

'All teaching staff' in England will be eligible for SEND training as part of a major new development package, government has announced schoolsweek.co.uk/new-200m-schem…

Ofsted's published the first of its new 'report cards', for schools that volunteered to be the first inspected under its new framework. Grades are likely higher than usual, given these are volunteers, but it gives an early look at what the new system holds...

The government looks set to hand itself sweeping powers to close MATs based on trust-level education failures alone, once new Ofsted trust inspections are introduced Here's everything you need to know... schoolsweek.co.uk/trust-inspecti…

Breaking: New Ofsted inspections of multi-academy trusts could begin as early as 2027, it has emerged schoolsweek.co.uk/ofsted-mat-ins…

We are looking for a reporter to join team @schoolsweek - here's the qualities that we need ⤵️ Fit the bill? See how to apply here: journoresources.org.uk/job/reporter-1… Any questions, please feel free to drop me or @FCDWhittaker a message

Ofsted's electronic evidence-gathering system has been hit with further technical problems - meaning inspectors adjusting to the new framework will have to follow 'alternative processes' when inspections resume in January

Breaking: Exam board Pearson has been fined £2 million by Ofqual for 'serious' rule breaches which affected tens of thousands of students taking language qualifications schoolsweek.co.uk/ofqual-fines-p…

The government has revealed it will use family incomes - rather than free school meal eligibility - to decide how much pupil premium funding schools get as part of a long-term shake-up

Teacher trainee numbers are up 11% on last year, showing promising signs for recruitment as the gov aims to fulfil its pledge of boosting the workforce by 6,500 teachers. Secondary has again under-recruited though, hitting 88% of its target – despite that target being cut by 19%

We need to right this wrong Business Leaders play a critical role in the strategic and operational success of schools and trusts. Too few are remunerated on a salary that aligns with the senior responsibilities they exercise.

Ofsted has announced routine inspections of NPQ providers are being paused until next academic year, while the government reviews the qualifications schoolsweek.co.uk/ofsted-pauses-…

Ofsted’s deputy chief inspector Matthew Coffey has announced he will retire next month after nearly three decades in education inspection schoolsweek.co.uk/ofsted-deputy-…

School leaders say new Ofsted inspections are more collaborative and transparent, but 'far more rigorous' - and have expressed concerns over pressure on staff. Grateful to leaders who shared their thoughts, having volunteered to be among the first to undergo new inspections

Exclusive: The firm overseeing England’s biggest school PFI contract is planning to 'go into liquidation' with millions of pounds worth of building repairs work still outstanding schoolsweek.co.uk/pfi-firm-in-sc…

'We've listened to schools about what works and what needs changing, including funding rates,' says @oliviabaileymp 'That's why we're increasing the per child funding rate, so schools can offer a genuine variety of healthy breakfast options' schoolsweek.co.uk/weve-listened-…

Leaders recruited to the government’s RISE improvement programme have faced 'hostility' and resistance from the schools they are trying to turn around, an adviser said schoolsweek.co.uk/rise-advisers-…

Ofsted previously said new state school inspections would begin 'on or after December 1' depending on how many schools put themselves forward for voluntary inspections, which are taking place first. They've now confirmed routine inspections will start on Dec 1

The DfE's post came the same day the Teacher Wellbeing Index revealed teacher wellbeing is at a record low. ASCL's @pepediiasio says the timing is 'ill-advised at best'. 'At worst it suggests a real lack of understanding'. @DanielKebedeNEU calls it 'completely tone deaf'

Changes to Ofsted inspections 'should feel energising' to leaders, the chief inspector Sir Martyn Oliver has said schoolsweek.co.uk/leaders-should…