LinkedIn Newsletter – February 2024

Welcome to The School Bus February newsletter!

In the constantly changing landscape of education, updates from key organisations like the DfE, ESFA, Ofsted, UKHSA, HSE, and government departments are common. We can help you ensure that your setting keeps informed, safe, and prepared for the month ahead.

Stay connected as we deliver the most recent news and developments from the education sector in the previous month, as well as our latest content designed to assist you in remaining compliant and prepared for any challenges that may arise.

Up-to-Speed on: Mobile Phones in Schools

The Department for Education (DfE) has released new non-statutory guidance aimed at schools, providing detailed instructions on how to implement a ban on mobile phone usage throughout the school day. The comprehensive guidance covers various aspects, including the development and implementation of effective policies to regulate mobile phone use.

This article serves as a thorough overview of the key points outlined in the DfE's guidance, offering insights into its significance for school leaders, teachers, and students alike. From understanding the rationale behind the mobile phone ban to exploring practical strategies for enforcement, this guidance equips schools with the tools needed to create a focused and safe learning environment.

Along with this, mobile phones, tablets, and other personal electronic devices have become widely available and accessible to pupils. As more students bring mobile phones, tablets, and other devices to school, it's challenging for schools to keep students safe while maintaining a good learning environment. Although these devices are often given by parents for safety, they can also cause problems.

Schools need to balance safety and learning by staying up-to-date on research about how kids use phones, knowing the rules about phone use in school, and talking with parents about school policies. Schools also need to help parents understand how to keep kids safe online and show what they're doing to protect students online. This helps schools and parents work together to manage the use of personal devices at school. Read more, and check out our available letter template here.

Up-to-speed on: The Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF)

The Department for Education (DfE) has unveiled the new Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF), slated for implementation in September 2025, amalgamating the existing ITT core content framework and the ECF. This framework introduces fresh content and revisions, particularly addressing support for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and measures aimed at easing mentor workload.

This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the critical aspects covered in the DfE's guidance, offering essential insights for schools navigating these changes. Key points include the framework's implementation timeline, updated content, the establishment of standards, curriculum development requirements, and alterations to mentor training. Stay informed to ensure your school effectively adapts to these forthcoming adjustments here.

Up-to-speed on: Wraparound Childcare Guidance for Schools

The Department for Education (DfE) has recently issued non-statutory guidance to schools and trusts regarding the expanded free childcare entitlements for working parents. This guidance sheds light on the crucial role schools and trusts play in facilitating access to wraparound childcare for primary-school-aged children. It emphasises the importance of dependable and regular childcare, especially during term-time hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Schools are expected to offer wraparound childcare on-site, ensuring affordability and meeting essential standards while considering factors like demand, staffing ratios, and space utilization. This article delves into the key points outlined by the DfE, providing valuable insights for schools navigating these changes and aiming to support parents effectively.

Your Questions Answered on: Statutory Risk Assessments

There are several risk assessments schools are required or strongly recommended to carry out, from first aid and fire safety to manual handling and working at height. Our new Your Questions Answered on: Statutory Risk Assessments article can help you find out which risk assessments are statutory for your school to have in place, so you can focus on ensuring the health and safety of your school community.

The importance of comprehensive risk assessments in ensuring the health and safety of everyone within a school environment cannot be overstated. From general health and safety to mental wellbeing, first aid to security planning, each aspect plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe and secure learning environment. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers, including schools, have a legal obligation to assess and manage risks effectively. By identifying potential hazards, evaluating their impact, and implementing appropriate control measures, schools can safeguard the wellbeing of students, staff, visitors, and contractors.

From manual handling to asbestos management, fire safety to ventilation and heating, each area requires careful consideration and proactive measures to mitigate risks effectively. By adhering to statutory requirements and implementing best practices, schools can create a secure environment conducive to learning and thriving. Read more here.

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