Inclusion for students of determination in Dubai during Covid-19

By Dr Sarah Benson, Programme Director, Inclusion and Special Educational Needs, Dubai Campus, University of Birmingham.  “In the Emirate of Dubai, 75% of schools are private and run with a wide variety of international curriculums. This makes each individual school very heterogeneous in terms of teaching, but more homogenous when considering socio-economic capacity, which in … Continue reading “Inclusion for students of determination in Dubai during Covid-19”

Education for disabled children in the Global South during COVID-19: An afterthought?

By Ms Vera Kubenz, Research Fellow, Department of Education and Social Justice, University of Birmingham.  “As schools reopen across the globe, there is concern that many disabled children will stay out of school permanently. Parents may continue to keep at-risk children at home out of fear of contracting COVID-19.” Disabled children in the Global South … Continue reading “Education for disabled children in the Global South during COVID-19: An afterthought?”

Are we there yet? How the pandemic is affecting children and young people’s learning and how to support

By Dr Karl Kitching, Reader in Education Policy School of Education, University of Birmingham This article describes what we know about how the pandemic has affected children and young people’s learning, offers some support links to parents and schools, and invites parents to support their child’s participation in a new University of Birmingham survey. Are … Continue reading “Are we there yet? How the pandemic is affecting children and young people’s learning and how to support”

Time for a new era for teaching and teacher education

By Tom Perry, Lecturer School of Education, University of Birmingham “Now is the time to rally behind and support the already-brilliant teachers we have and ensure all have the resources and support they need to nurture, educate and inspire. No one benefits from burnt out, vilified, and poorly-supported teachers in the cross-fire of political and … Continue reading “Time for a new era for teaching and teacher education”

An examination system fit for purpose in the Covid-19 era? Time for real system leadership in education.

By Colin Diamond CBE, Professor of Education Leadership School of Education, University of Birmingham “There is no guarantee that those students about to enter the final year of A level and GCSE studies will have a smooth ride. Partial school closures appear likely and reliance on a 100% final examination is as fanciful as imagining … Continue reading “An examination system fit for purpose in the Covid-19 era? Time for real system leadership in education.”

All work and no play? Why children need play during Covid-19

By Dr Anita Soni, Academic and professional tutor, School of Education, University of Birmingham and Oliver Wilson, Head Teacher, Woodhouse Primary School (and University of Birmingham ITE alumnus). “For younger children, it is essential that families don’t ignore play, but actively encourage it. While older children can usually socialise online with their friends, via a … Continue reading “All work and no play? Why children need play during Covid-19”

Under pressure: Children and Young People’s Mental Health, the hidden impacts of COVID-19

By Dr Gemma McKenna, Health Services Management Fellow  School of Social Policy, University of Birmingham   Originally posted as a blog piece for The Voice of UK Health Services Research (HSR UK). On the 18th March 2020, schools across the UK closed their doors. Children said goodbye to their teachers and friends, some for the … Continue reading “Under pressure: Children and Young People’s Mental Health, the hidden impacts of COVID-19”

Constructing a new reality: leadership lessons from other times of crisis

By Dr Madeleine Findon, Lecturer in Educational Leadership  School of Education, University of Birmingham “…society must ensure that educational leaders are supported to be crisis-responsive by providing the preparation, resources and support they need to ensure their settings survive, then thrive as we construct the new reality together.” The longer the lockdown lasts, the further … Continue reading “Constructing a new reality: leadership lessons from other times of crisis”

Character in a time of crisis

By Benjamin Miller, Research Fellow Jubilee Centre for Character & Virtues, University of Birmingham “For many teachers, the coronavirus crisis has been a reminder that a holistic education can encompass both the formation of character and the very best academic standards.” The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week this year is kindness. Throughout the week, … Continue reading “Character in a time of crisis”

Re-opening Schools– why I think it is too much of a risk to all

By Colin Diamond CBE, Professor of Education Leadership School of Education, University of Birmingham “The best school leaders will want to do the right thing: balancing the needs of children and the well-being of staff in the full knowledge of how their local community is faring under lockdown.” This week the narrative to get our … Continue reading “Re-opening Schools– why I think it is too much of a risk to all”