This week I highlight publication of the provisional information on the 2022 phonics, KS1 and KS2 assessments, updated secondary accountability measures guidance, a free webinar on school budget pressures and the role of governance, a couple of helpful documents in relation to aspects of safeguarding and the new School admission appeals code.

Provisional information on KS1 and 2 assessments released
The DfE has published provisional information on the 2022 phonics screening check and assessments at KS1 and provisional results for the 2022 national curriculum assessments at KS2. The KS1 information can be found here and the KS2 information can be found here.

Updated Secondary accountability measures guidance
The guidance has been updated for 2022 to include further information about KS4 accountability arrangements and the use of 2021/22 performance data. It sets out further detail on the methodological changes made reflecting that results from qualifications achieved between January 2020 and August 2021 will not be used in performance measures.

Free Governors for Schools Webinar: School Budget Pressures – The role of governance on Thursday 20 October from 8-9am. 
As inflationary pressures mount, the role of governors in balancing school budgets has never been more crucial. In conjunction with Better Governor you can join a discussion around the role that governors play in managing this important challenge.  To register use this link to visit the Governors for Schools website.

Safeguarding
As the 2022 version of KCSIE came into force on 1 September a couple of organisations have produced additional helpful guidance as follows:

• Online searches on shortlisted candidates – education law firm Browne Jacobson has produced a helpful FAQ on the topic.
• Low-level concerns policy – law firm Farrer & Co has produced guidance which provides further clarity and reflection of best practice in this area.

School admission appeals code 2022
The new appeals code, which replaces the ‘Draft school admission appeals code 2022 (correction)’, became effective on 1 October 2022 and is applicable to all appeals lodged on or after that date.