NewsBytes – Bombs, Governors & Statistics

A selection of news items of interest for governors addressing threat from bombs, SEN, supply teachers, removal of school governors, coasting schools and a manifesto gap.

Schools Week: Schools urged to remind staff of ’emergency plans’ after Manchester bomb scare

25 May 2017 – Schools Week is reporting that schools have been reminded to keep staff up-to-date with procedures in their individual plans for emergencies after a school was evacuated following reports of a bomb threat.

DfE national statistics: Statements of SEN and EHC plans – England, 2017

25 May 2017 – Statistics and analysis on statements of special educational needs (SEN) and education, health and care (EHC) plans in England.

Schools Week: Government to step in over supply teacher costs

19 May 2017 – Schools Week is reporting that the government is planning to step in and establish a national pool of ‘trusted’ supply teacher agencies in a bid to help schools cut down on spiralling agency bills.

The Telegraph: New rule change allows schools to remove school governors for first time

6 May 2017 – The Telegraph is reporting new regulations will give schools the power to remove school governors from office.

Schools Week: RSCs under fire after ordering interventions in coasting schools

5 May 2017 – Schools Week is reporting that regional schools commissioners are writing to coasting schools to identify specific support, leading critics to suggest they are now operating as reinvented local authorities.

Schools Week: Conservatives backtrack on £60m for primary school breakfasts

4 May 2017 – Schools Week is reporting that the Conservative Party has admitted that a key manifesto commitment to provide breakfasts for every primary school pupil in England could cost far more than the £60 million initially promised.