Ofsted’s report, Moving English forward, published on 15th March, sets out to answer the question: how can attainment in English be raised in order to move English forward in schools? The report refers to the APPG for Education’s recommendations, in particular noting: 72. …The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Education recently reported that ‘schools should be… Continue reading »
Feb
21
Literacy inquiry – responses and Early Day Motion
The APPG met on 8th November to discuss the responses to the literacy inquiry: download the summary of responses The Group also agreed to table Early Day Motion 2420: That this House is concerned about the high number of children and adults who struggle to read; is alarmed by the large proportion of offenders and… Continue reading »
Jan
31
The changing schools landscape
Four panellists with a range of experience and views joined the APPG and around 50 guests to debate “The changing schools landscape: what can maintained schools, free schools and academies learn from one another?” With Nic Dakin MP chairing the meeting, the panellists were: Fiona Millar, education journalist and co-founder of the Local Schools Network… Continue reading »
Jul
07
APPG for Education calls for action on barriers to literacy
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Education has today raised concerns that the coalition Government’s focus on phonics will contribute to a decline in literacy standards. Download the APPG for Education’s Report of the Inquiry into Overcoming the Barriers to Literacy Supported by the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA), the APPG for Education has published its… Continue reading »
Jun
29
Schools’ freedom in budget and infrastructure management
The APPG was joined by Sarah Healey, Director of the Schools Resources Group, DfE, and Iain Wright MP, shadow Education Minister. Sarah gave an overview of the Government’s intention that schools should have as much freedom in their spending as possible, highlighting how grants have been mainstreamed and how schools are able to use the… Continue reading »
Jun
09
Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology event
The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology event, Examining Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths Education for Ages 14-19, has been scheduled to coincide with the publication of two POSTnotes on science education, one on Informal STEM Education and the other on STEM Education 14-19. The seminar will feature keynote speeches from a number of leading… Continue reading »
May
25
Literacy inquiry roundtable sessions
On 20th and 24th May we held roundtable sessions for the APPG’s literacy inquiry. Key education stakeholders and industry representatives joined us, with Baroness Perry of Southwark (former Chief Inspector of Schools) and Lord Knight of Weymouth (former Minister for Schools and Learners) kindly chairing the sessions. Download the attendee lists: education stakeholders and industry… Continue reading »
May
19
Meeting with Sarah Teather MP, Minister for Children and Families
On 18th May, the APPG for Education and APPG for Autism held a joint meeting with Sarah Teather MP, Minister for Children and Families, and Sharon Hodgson MP, Shadow Minister for Schools and Families. Sarah Teather MP emphasised the importance of making provision the best it can be, as one in one hundred people is… Continue reading »
Apr
12
Extended deadline for inquiry responses
To enable a wide cross-section of responses and to allow for the April holidays, the deadline for submissions to the APPG for Education’s literacy inquiry is now Friday 13th May. The updated terms of reference give further details. Alternatively, questionnaires are available for universities and employers: Employers: https://appg-employer.questionpro.com Universities: https://appg-education.questionpro.com The questionnaire for teachers and… Continue reading »
Mar
22
Is a National Curriculum sustainable?
The Group moved from discussing the origins of the National Curriculum, its purpose and longevity, to exploring its practical impact on vocational studies, and the need to ensure that stability and depth of content is matched by innovation within resources and approaches to pupil engagement. The conclusions of the meeting will feed into the Group’s… Continue reading »
DfE news
- Prime Minister announces support for families May 17, 2012Announcement about new support to help families, including parenting classes and relationship support. […]
- Government sets out case for reforming teachers’ pay May 15, 2012Education Secretary Michael Gove has today submitted evidence to the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) – the independent body which makes recommendations on teachers’ pay reforms. […]
- Parents given power of veto on schools’ use of biometrics May 14, 2012New advice to schools will make clear that they will no longer be able to use pupils’ biometric data without parental consent. The advice, launched today for consultation, comes into effect from September 2013. […]
Parliament and Schools
- NURSERY MILK SCHEME February 6, 2012That this House is deeply concerned about planned changes to arrangements for the delivery of the current Nursery Milk Scheme which is likely to affect the numbers of children who drink ... […]
- FORCED ACADEMIES IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS January 23, 2012That this House believes that the Government's threats to force primary schools in Haringey to become academies are undemocratic and threaten to reverse many of the improvements made ... […]
- GLOBAL LINKS BETWEEN SCHOOLS January 11, 2012That this House welcomes the links that have been created between schools in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire with Mangochi District in Malawi; acknowledges the benefits that can be achieved ... […]
Parliament and SEN
- ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING October 25, 2011That this House congratulates Deaf Action on its launch of SignVideo, an online interpreting service available throughout the UK; is concerned that there is a shortage of British Sign ... […]
- HELLO CAMPAIGN FOR THE NATIONAL YEAR OF COMMUNICATION March 1, 2011That this House welcomes the Hello Campaign for the National Year of Communication; notes that the campaign, run by The Communication Trust, a coalition of over 35 leading voluntary ... […]
- CLASSIFICATION OF LIP-READING CLASSES November 1, 2010That this House notes that lip-reading is a vital communication skill for many people with hearing loss, which prevents social isolation, increases confidence and independence and helps ... […]