The Government’s response to school absenteeism: policies on mental health and attendance

By Dr Sarah Wall, Practitioner Tutor (SEBD), Disability, Inclusion and Special Needs Recently, a Guardian article suggested that almost one in three pupils are absent from school due to anxiety. The government response to this absenteeism “crisis” is to: Ostensibly, these suggestions seem sensible. Safeguarding our C&YP, supporting their mental health and wellbeing and accurately identifying and … Continue reading “The Government’s response to school absenteeism: policies on mental health and attendance”

Challenges in teaching due to cultural differences: extending educators’ understanding of business education

By Dr Laura Salciuviene, Assistant Professor in Strategy and International Business In today’s interconnected business world, educators face a hidden challenge: cultural differences. While cultural differences enrich learning experience, they also present a challenge required to know how to navigate cultural differences among international students. From diverse learning styles to clashing student ethical standards, diverse … Continue reading “Challenges in teaching due to cultural differences: extending educators’ understanding of business education”

Safeguarding children of colour in White institutions

By Dr Saba Hussain, Assistant Professor in Education, Department of Education & Social Justice Even ‘safe’ spaces such as schools are not safe for racialised children. Being pinned down to the table, handcuffed and accusations of ‘smelling like marijuana’ are not experiences one would normally associate with school going children. However, some of the accounts … Continue reading “Safeguarding children of colour in White institutions”

Eton partnerships will create opportunities in communities that need them, but they won’t level up education as a whole

By Professor Chris Millward, Professor of Practice in Education Policy, School of Education Early in 2020, a renowned public school asked me a difficult and unexpected question.  It was difficult because it pitched the interests of individuals against the communities in which they live.  It was unexpected because the school was one of eight from … Continue reading “Eton partnerships will create opportunities in communities that need them, but they won’t level up education as a whole”

Hijab ban controversy in India, and Muslim girls’ education

By Dr Saba HussainAssistant Professor in Education and Social Justice, School of Education Talking to me over sips of hot sugary tea, the school-teacher in India’ North Eastern state of Assam told me: “I have found Miyah (Muslims of Bengal origin) girls to be somewhat different from the rest of the girls, I mean from … Continue reading “Hijab ban controversy in India, and Muslim girls’ education”

LGBTQ+ History Month 2022: The Legacy of Section 28

By Dr Sophie King-Hill, Senior Fellow in the Health Services Management Centre (HSMC) The Local Government Act 1988 included a clause that became synonymous with LGBTQ+ discrimination, especially within the education system. The notorious Section 28 stated that:  ‘A local authority shall not— (a) intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material with the intention of promoting … Continue reading “LGBTQ+ History Month 2022: The Legacy of Section 28”

Levelling up requires pathways through education and work throughout life, not separate routes

By Chris Millward, Professor of Practice in Education Policy, School of Education This week’s levelling up White Paper is reported to be inspired by the Medici rulers of renaissance Italy.  One issue not mentioned, though, is their handling of the local university in Florence, the Studium Generale, which they exiled to Pisa.  The government’s plan … Continue reading “Levelling up requires pathways through education and work throughout life, not separate routes”

Braille: a powerful practical tool and symbol of empowerment

By Professor Graeme Douglas, Department of Disability Inclusion and Special Needs School of Education, University of Birmingham “Louis Braille invented his eponymous code nearly 200 years ago. The tactile reading and writing system has transformed the lives of many blind people. More recently, computers and the internet have introduced new opportunities for accessing precious information. Braille, … Continue reading “Braille: a powerful practical tool and symbol of empowerment”

The Power of the Outdoors

How being in nature can help prepare our children for the school year ahead. By Victoria Saunders, Lecturer in Primary Teacher Education School of Education, University of Birmingham We have made it to the 6 weeks summer holidays and that is an achievement in itself this year. The past two years have been without doubt the … Continue reading “The Power of the Outdoors”

The challenges and unexpected benefits for families with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) during lockdown

By Natalie Reardon, Alumna and Deputy Head Teacher and SENCo at Mill School, Bury – an independent specialist provision for Pupils aged 7-17 with Autism Spectrum Condition. Reflections on lockdown SEND education has been impacted over the last 12 months as a result of the repeated lockdowns in response to the global pandemic. For many … Continue reading “The challenges and unexpected benefits for families with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) during lockdown”