Weekly round-up: Flexible working and teacher pay

Catch up on all your must-read Tes news and analysis from the past seven days right here:

• DfE urges schools to use new flexible-working scheme 
  New government guidance is urging schools to make use of a scheme to help them introduce and embed more flexible working.
   
• Lack of flexible working ‘putting off potential teachers’ 
  A third of teacher training providers say potential teaching applicants tell them that working flexibly is important but that it is not freely available in schools.
   
• Sunak warned 6.5 per cent pay rise for teachers is ‘bare minimum’ 
  The prime minister has been warned that a 6.5 per cent pay rise for teachers is the “bare minimum” that is needed, following reports that he was prepared to block the pay rise recommended by the independent School Teachers’ Review Body.
   
• Why trusts can’t afford an unfunded 6.5 per cent pay rise 
  Academy trusts don’t have the cash reserves to swallow up a sizeable teacher pay increase on their own - funding from the government will be essential, warns MAT accountancy specialist Rachel Barrett.
   
• Most teachers say pupils with SEND not effectively supported  
  Around seven in 10 teachers believe that students with special educational needs and disabilities or additional learning needs are “being ineffectively supported by the current education system”, according to a new report.
   
• GCSEs: Vaping causing exam disruption, MPs told 
  Some schools are switching smoke detectors for heat sensors to prevent vaping by students setting off alarms during lessons and exams, MPs have heard.
   
• Gibb: Schools ‘in uncharted territory’ on attendance  
  Minister Nick Gibb has told MPs he does not know when school attendance figures will return to pre-pandemic levels.
   
• Does the DfE understand the impact of Covid? 
  The lasting effects of Covid lockdowns continue to be felt in schools, not least around attendance and behaviour - yet the government seems unwilling to listen or address the challenges, warns former children’s commissioner Anne Longfield.
   
• How to create a flourishing school system 
  The Church of England’s chief education officer explains why improving SEND provision, a compassionate accountability system and making education an inspiring career choice are vital for the future.
   
• School uniforms ‘still not affordable for many parents’ 
  Parents are still having to spend “exorbitant amounts” on school uniforms despite changes introduced last year aimed at keeping costs down, a charity has said.
   
• Why Labour should use private school tax to fix crumbling schools 
  Former Department for Education adviser Sam Freedman explains why so many of England’s schools have been allowed to fall into disrepair - and says Labour needs a plan to make them safe again.