Laura Sharman 10 May 2022

Queen's Speech: New measures to raise education standards

Queens Speech: New measures to raise education standards image
Image: Areipa.lt / Shutterstock.com

Local authorities will have a new duty to provide support to home-schooling families under new measures to reform education.

The Schools Bill, outlined today in the Queen’s Speech, will also require schools to create a compulsory attendance register to identify children who are not in school and receiving a full-time education.

The speech, read by Prince Charles, said: ‘Reforms to education will help every child fulfil their potential wherever they live, raising standards and improving the quality of schools and higher education.’

Through the Bill, the Government will be providing more support for schools to join strong, multi-academy trusts, with a strengthened regulatory framework to help intervene when they are failing.

However, teaching unions have warned these structural changes will do nothing to tackle the ‘scale and depth’ of the problems facing the education sector.

Dr Patrick Roach, general secretary of NASUWT, said: ‘Instead of wasting precious time, the Government should be focused on resolving the recruitment and retention crisis by substantially boosting funding for schools and colleges, delivering a substantial pay award for all teachers, tackling excessive workload, and taking urgent action to outlaw the appalling use of fire and rehire practices, precarious employment and discrimination at work.’

Under the new legislation, Ofsted will also be given more powers to tackle unregistered schools operating illegally, with increased powers for the Teaching Regulation Agency to investigate misconduct.

Speaking yesterday, education secretary Nadhim Zahawi said: ‘We want every school to be part of an academy trust, enabling teachers to focus on what they do best - meeting the needs of every child. Schools’ approach to attendance is being overhauled to make sure every child gets the benefit of every possible hour in the classroom.

’In combination, this work will make sure every child has access to an education that they deserve and helps them fulfil their potential.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner