For action
Action for all settings: Review water beads product safety alert
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued a Product Safety Alert to warn of the risks that water beads pose to children and vulnerable adults.
The alert advises that water beads should be kept away from children under five, and only used with older children or vulnerable adults under close supervision. They are marketed for various purposes, including for use as toys and in crafting. Water beads can expand up to 400 times when exposed to liquid.
When swallowed, they expand and can block the gastrointestinal passage, potentially requiring surgery. They can also cause choking and have harmed children in the UK, with reports linking them to deaths overseas.
If it is suspected that a water bead has been swallowed, medical help should be sought immediately.
Action for schools, further education settings and local authorities: Take part in the Family Numeracy trial
The Family Numeracy trial will test the impact of delivering maths to parents/carers of children in year 2 or year 3 to build their confidence and support their child’s learning.
This randomised control trial is being delivered fully funded as part of Multiply, the government’s adult numeracy programme.
We are looking for primary schools to sign up parents and host the intervention during school hours. Schools will receive £500 to spend on maths equipment if at least 8 parents or carers from their current, academic year 2024 to 2025, year 2 cohort sign up. The trial will begin after the February half term 2025.
We are also looking for adult education providers to deliver the programme in schools through family learning tutors.
The deadline to apply is Thursday 31 October 2024. Find out more and apply today.
Action for early years settings and schools: Apply for subsidised access to Education Endowment Foundation programmes
This year, through the Department for Education’s Accelerator Fund, the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) are offering subsidised access to these tested programmes:
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Mathematics Mastery Primary, delivered by Ark Curriculum Plus, is a whole-school programme aiming to deepen pupils’ conceptual understanding of key mathematical concepts. Immediately actionable continuing professional development is delivered through in-person and online training sessions.
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Embedding Formative Assessment, delivered by Schools, Students and Teachers Network (SSAT), is a programme to help secondary schools embed formative assessment practices, enhancing teaching, learning and student outcomes. Authored by Dylan Wiliam and Siobhan Leahy, the programme supports schools in creating a culture of continuous improvement and change in practice.
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Maths Champions, delivered by the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), is a free professional development programme which builds the knowledge of nursery practitioners to support children’s early mathematical development.
Action for schools and further education settings: Respond to Ofqual consultation on formulae and equations support
The Department for Education has confirmed that students taking exams in 2025, 2026 and 2027 will not need to memorise the usual formulae and equations for GCSE maths, physics and combined science.
Ofqual is consulting on how these formulae and equations will be provided in assessments in 2025, 2026 and 2027. We invite you to share your views on this by responding to the consultation which closes on Thursday 17 October 2024.
Action for schools: Take part in research on international teacher recruitment
The Department for Education invite you to take part in research looking at the experience of recruiting overseas trained teachers. This will help us to understand the challenges or barriers you face and identifying where the department may be able to support schools and teachers.
If you recruit overseas trained teachers:
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sign up to speak to our researchers about your experience of and preferences in recruitment of international teachers.
- complete this survey to take part in research about your experience of recruiting overseas trained teachers, responses will remain anonymous.
News and developments
Information for all settings: Expand your employee health and wellbeing strategy with Civil Service Sports Council
Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) is a membership organisation for the public sector dedicated to promoting health, wellbeing, and an active lifestyle.
Those in the public sector, including those working in education settings, can get access to affordable and accessible sports, recreation and leisure activities, as well as exclusive and unique experiences that no other organisation provides.
To find out more contact Matt.Davies@cssc.co.uk.
Information for all settings: Applications for DfE Non-executive Directors now open
The Department for Education is looking to recruit new Non-executive Directors (NEDs) to provide independent challenge, scrutiny and support to the department’s board.
NEDs advise on organisational performance, the running of the department including the operational and delivery implications of policy proposals, and on the effective management of the department.
Applications for Non-executive Director and lead Non-executive Director are open until Wednesday 23 October 2024.
Information for schools and further education settings: Support in managing difficult conversations on the one-year anniversary of 7th October attacks in Israel
Today, Monday 7 October 2024 marks the one-year anniversary of the attacks in Israel.
A new guest blog post on Educate Against Hate from the Community Security Trust (CST) and Tell MAMA outlines the support available to schools and colleges in tackling hateful views and managing difficult classroom discussions.
Information for schools and further education settings: Ofqual’s letter to schools and colleges
Ofqual has written to school and college heads about the arrangements in place for exams and assessments in 2025 for GCSE, AS and A levels, and vocational qualifications.
Heads and senior leaders are encouraged to read the letter to make sure they have the latest information.
Ofqual has also written to higher education admissions officers about arrangements for GCSEs, AS and A levels and vocational qualifications in 2025.
Information for schools and further education settings: Get ready for Talk Money Week
The Money and Pensions Service’s Talk Money week runs from Monday 4 November to Friday 8 November 2024.
The theme this year is ‘Do One Thing’ and schools and colleges are being encouraged to share the ‘one thing’ they are talking to students about to help them learn more about money.
The Money and Pensions Service has published a toolkit with lots of ideas and resources to help you get involved and talk money in the classroom.
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