This week I highlight the publication of new DfE guidance on how schools should prepare for and respond to terrorism and other major incidents, new research from the Nuffield Foundation on how Covid could impact on GCSE results into the 2030s and Ofqual’s response to the DfE’s consultation on the approach for the Advanced British Standard.
DfE releases new guidance ‘Protective security and preparedness for education settings’
The DfE has released new non-statutory guidance covering how education settings should prepare for and respond to terrorism and other major incidents. It covers preparatory measures such as security culture and practice drills; immediate actions during an incident such as safe communication and evacuation; and post-incident procedures such as welfare support and evaluation of the response. Alongside the guidance, the DfE has released a ‘Protective security and preparedness self-assessment’ template to helps schools evaluate strengths and weaknesses in provision.
New research shows that coronavirus (COVID-19) could affect GCSEs into 2030s
A new Nuffield Foundation study predicts that successive coronavirus cohorts are on course for the biggest overall decline in basic GCSE achievement for at least two decades.
Ofqual responds to DfE’s consultation on the approach for the Advanced British Standard
Ofqual has released its response to the DfE’s consultation on the approach to the Advanced British Standard, which aims to set a new vision for what students should learn post-16, at what level and with what balance across subjects. The consultation closed on 20 March 2024.