This week I report on updated DfE guidance on collecting and publishing governing body diversity data, changes to Ofsted inspections following the suicide of a headteacher in January, information on further planned strikes and industrial action as well as updated DfE guidance on handling strike action, new RSHE statutory guidance to be published and further information on the Prime Minister’s Maths to 18 plan.

Update to what the DfE expects schools should publish on their websites
This week the DfE has added a section on collecting and publishing governing body and trust board diversity data respectively to its guidance articles for schools.

Ofsted promises changes after headteacher Ruth Perry’s death
Ofsted has said it will make changes after the suicide of headteacher Ruth Perry in January.
In a statement issued today, Chief inspector Amanda Spielman said that Ofsted would consider returning earlier to schools that failed inspections because of safeguarding issues but were otherwise performing well, to ensure any improvement was reflected in their grades. That it was piloting changes to its complaints system and would run seminars for headteachers to de-mystify the inspection process but added that the single overall grade for schools would stay.

Update on planned strikes and industrial action
As a result of a vote to reject the Government’s most recent pay deal of a £1,000 one-off payment and 4.3% rise for most teachers from September, NEU member strikes will take place on Thursday 27 April and Tuesday 2 May. The pay deal was also rejected by the ASCL, NAHT and NASUWT. The NASUWT is also planning on re-balloting its members on industrial action with the NAHT likely to follow suit.

The DfE has updated its Handling strike action in schools guidance to provide further information on prioritising pupils, the law on industrial action and picketing, providing FSM and calculating pay deduction for part time employees.

New RSHE statutory guidance to be published as well as guidance for schools regarding gender identity
The DfE has announced that new RSHE statutory guidance will be published in the coming months and a consultation will be completed by the end of the year in response to allegations that inappropriate material is being taught in some schools. It has also made a separate announcement that new guidance will be published for schools this term on how to respond to children who are questioning their gender identity.

Further information released on Prime Minister’s ‘maths to 18’ plan
Following the Prime Minister’s reiteration of his intention to get young people in England to study maths up to the age of 18, the DfE has released a new blog post which answers a number of questions regarding the proposal. The post confirms a number of details including information regarding the new maths NPQ for teachers and how the plans will be implemented.