Debate over school funding rolls on

5/11/2018

Read DYT’s education policy round up with a literacy and SEND focus. 

5th November 2018 

Education funding remains the big issue this week as the fallout over the Chancellor’s “little extras” for schools continues. Three of the biggest teaching unions have taken “an unprecedented step” of consulting their members over what to do next to campaign on school funding – industrial action is certainly on the cards. 

Coming up this week:

  • Monday: The Department for Education publish research on early CPD for teachers and announce more support to tackle workload through making data collection simpler. The school uniforms bill is presented in the House of Commons, the proposed legislation would regulate the cost of uniform, scrap VAT on it and require the government to write to school leaders on the issue.

 

  • Tuesday: At 10 am, the Education Committee takes evidence on funding from the major teaching unions. Committee Chair Rob Halfon has called for a “NHS-style 10 year plan” for school funding. There is a debate on the Plymouth challenge for schools initiative at 11 am, the scheme is based on the successful London Challenge projects which improved attainment in schools in the capital.

 

  • Saturday: DYT CEO, Chris Rossiter will present at Research SEND in Manchester on evidence-based practice.

If you missed it:

Debate over school funding rolls on  

Damian Hinds blogged following the budget stating he is conscious of budgeting constraints. Labour has claimed that schools face £1.7bn worth of cuts in the next five years drawing upon IFS figures. DYT’s greatest concern is the impact that pressures on school budgets has had on learners with literacy difficulties.

Warwickshire County Council to review dyslexia support after pressure 

The House of Lords heavily criticised Warwickshire Council for their position that a “diagnosis of dyslexia is scientifically questionable and can be misleading.” The government said they supported early intervention and that the council should consider advice from the British Dyslexia Association. DYT’s dyslexia specialist research was cited in TES, before the council announced it was reviewing its guidance on dyslexia.

EEF to look for projects to improve SEND outcomes 

The EEF is seeking proposals for projects which improve attainment and other educational outcomes, such as social and emotional learning, for children with special educational needs or disability (SEND). Find out more here.

New DYT website 

We’re excited to share with you our new digital home, where you can find everything you need to know about DYT, from our education programmes to our work influencing policymakers. Keep up to date with our recent activity in Parliament, our views and solutions on literacy difficulties and our research work.

 

Get in touch:


Dan Baynes
Policy Executive
daniel.baynes@driveryouthtrust.com