Need to know: ITT reaccreditation, DfE legal action and county lines

In the week Tes reported that the Department for Education could face legal action over Oak National Academy plans, it was also revealed that almost two-thirds of initial teacher training (ITT) providers who applied have not passed the first round of the government’s new reaccreditation process.

Among other things, we asked if selective sixth forms are a real social mobility solution, sat down for an exclusive interview with children’s commissioner Rachel De Souza, and looked at how teachers can help with the problem of county lines.

Catch up on your must-read Tes news and features from the past week right here:

News

• Most secondary teachers say primaries ‘excessively drill’ pupils
  More than three-fifths of secondary teachers feel primary schools “excessively drill” pupils for key stage 2 Sats. And just two in five primary teachers say key stage 2 tests are an accurate measure of pupil attainment.
• DfE could face legal action over Oak National Academy plan
  The British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA) informed education secretary Nadhim Zahawi that it is considering seeking a judicial review over what it calls the DfE’s “unlawful” decision on Oak.
• ITT: Almost two-thirds of providers not accredited in first wave
  Almost two-thirds of initial teacher training providers who applied have not passed the first round of the government’s new reaccreditation process, Tes understands.
• DfE ‘updates’ White Paper claims after criticism from stats watchdog
  The Department for Education has “updated” a document setting out its case for all schools to be part of a multi-academy trust, following criticism by the UK statistics watchdog.
• Three extra Reception pupils per class fell behind in pandemic
  Covid pandemic disruption has resulted in three extra early years children per class not reaching the expected development standards for their age group during the year, according to a new report by the Education Endowment Foundation.

Features

• Why your classroom needs a ‘stuck list’
  Pupils need to be able to work independently and tackle challenges in their learning alone, but how do you stop them from asking an adult for help when they get stuck? Kirstin Mulholland shares her advice.
• County lines: how can teachers help?
  The government has pledged to tackle the problem of county lines drug gangs, but targeting existing gangs won’t be enough, experts warn. Instead, we need early intervention, and teachers have a crucial role to play, finds Kate Parker.
• Are selective sixth forms a real social mobility solution?
  According to the Levelling Up White Paper, creating new 16-19 free schools is the answer to education inequality. Grainne Hallahan finds out what these schools might look like, and hears the experts’ verdict on their potential success.
• 10 questions with...Rachel de Souza
  The children’s commissioner reminisces about her years being taught by nuns, recalls some of her hardest moments as a headteacher, and explains why she’s glad she gave up accountancy for a career in education.
• Why walking away from the wrong role can be the smartest strategy
  Admitting that a new role isn’t working out is not easy - but if you’ve exhausted all options, then making peace with this reality and moving can be in everyone’s best interests, says this experienced leader.