DfE consultation on elective home education
Last week the DfE published it's response to the 2018 consultation and call for evidence on elective home education, summarising the main findings and setting out the next steps which includes further consultation around the duty on local authorities to keep track of children not receiving an education in a mainstream school.
Launched on 2 April, the consultation is seeking views on the following proposals:
- The introduction of a duty on local authorities to maintain a register of children of compulsory school age who are not registered at schools of a specified type
- The introduction of a duty on parents to provide information to their home local authority if their children are within the scope of such a register
- The introduction of a duty on education settings attended by the children on the register to respond to enquiries from local authorities about the education provided to individual children. The settings in scope would not include those providing supplementary education outside school hours
- The introduction of a duty on local authorities to provide support to home educating families - if it is requested by such families.
The consultation closes at 11.59pm on 24 June 2019. You can read more and respond here.
New strategy to improve use of technology in education
Last week, the DfE published a new EdTech Strategy 'Realising the potential of technology in education'.
The strategy has been developed for education providers and the technology industry to help improve and increase the effective use of technology in education.
Read more
Mental health and schools
The Anna Freud Centre has recently published a booklet 'Supporting mental health and wellbeing in schools: engaging with all parents and carers', exploring a range of ways for schools to engage with parents and carers to improve children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
The booklet includes tips on managing feelings and tackling difficult conversations and also features case studies showing both parent and schools’ perspectives.
Read more
Schools Library Service Book Awards 2019
Every year the Warwickshire Schools Library Service runs the school book awards seeing it as a terrific opportunity for pupils to enjoy reading and discussion together.
The awards are split into two categories - one for secondary and one for juniors - and they provide an excellent opportunity to promote reading for pleasure and encourage literacy across different subjects.
Don't miss your opportunity to join in the Junior Book Awards 2019!
The SLS has just launched their very popular Junior Book Award with primary schools. This is ideal for Year 5 and Year 6 pupils, and a great event to take part in as a class, particularly for Year 6 after their SATS. You can find out more information here.
Please get in touch with Warwickshire SLS if you would like to take part or for more information: schoolslibraryservice@warwickshire.gov.uk
Secondary Book Awards 2019
This year's Secondary Book Awards culminated in a special event at The Bridgehouse Theatre last week, where 14 schools were represented. Students at participating schools read a shortlist of books, all published in 2018, and then voted for their favourite. This year all of the authors attended the final ceremony, creating a real sense of excitement in the theatre as they waited to hear who the overall winner was!
We are delighted to announce that the winner for the Warwickshire Secondary Book Award 2019 is S.T.A.G.S by M. A. Bennett.
Marina Bennett said: ‘I had a great morning. Wonderful to meet my fellow authors and such passionate young readers…Books can make your dreams come true, and one of mine came true today. Without libraries and readers I wouldn't have been on that stage!’
Pictured above are all the authors (Marina Bennett holds her certificate) together with Cllr John Holland who kindly attended and presented competition prizes and the main award, also Ayub Khan, Head of Libraries and Stella Thebridge, Manager of the SLS.