This week I report on the launch of a new Education Committee inquiry into teacher recruitment, training and retention, confirmation of the extension of the Covid exception for carrying unspent PE and sport premium funding for primary schools for the current academic year and a petition handed into government calling for Ofsted to be replaced following the death of headteacher, Ruth Perry.

Education Committee launches new inquiry into teacher recruitment
The Education Committee has launched a new inquiry into teacher recruitment, training and retention in state-funded English schools. The inquiry will investigate the current situation of teacher retention and recruitment, the main factors leading to difficulties in the process and the impact it has on pupils.

PE and sport premium update for primary schools
This week the DfE has informed primary schools that the coronavirus pandemic exception for carrying unspent PE and sport premium funding between academic years is being extended for the current academic year. In the future, the department will recover any premium underspend at the end of each academic year. The DfE also announced that it will be launching a new digital reporting tool before the end of the Summer term to make it easier for schools to meet grant requirements and report spend.

Headteachers petition to have Ofsted replaced
Following the death of headteacher Ruth Perry, teachers and headteachers have handed a petition signed by 45,000 people to the government calling for Ofsted to be replaced with a “supportive, effective and fair” accountability system. Ofsted’s Chief Inspector has released a statement, rejecting calls to halt inspections and that the debate over removing inspection grades was “a legitimate one”, but did not make any announcements or pledges regarding reforms.