The DfE this week published new guidance for unregistered independent schools and out of school settings. The advice note is non-statutory guidance for local authorities setting out how the Department for Education, Ofsted and local authorities can work collaboratively to help ensure that children attending these settings are safe and are receiving a suitable education. Read more
A new phase in a campaign to tackle child abuse and neglect was also launched this week as new research reveals the extent of public confidence in reporting it. Minister for Children and Families Nadhim Zahawi said: Keeping children safe from harm is everyone’s responsibility. It is important people voice their concerns, no matter how small they think they are. Read more
Space not only changes your outlook, it transforms your gene expression. Preliminary results from NASA’s Twins Study reveal that 7% of astronaut Scott Kelly’s genetic expression did not return to baseline after his return to Earth. The study looks at what happened to Kelly before, during and after he spent one year aboard the ISS through an extensive comparison with his identical twin, Mark, who remained on Earth. Read more
MPs have told the government to beef up its social mobility commission and appoint a ‘minister for social justice’ to help tackle inequality in education. The parliamentary education committee has published its report into the commission, which was thrown into chaos last year after all four of its members abruptly resigned. Read more