Today’s Education in the Media blog responds to articles from the Observer and the Telegraph on Brexit and on family assessment centres respectively.
EU Exit
Yesterday, Sunday 4 August, the Observer published an article based on a leaked document from the department regarding plans for a No Deal Brexit scenario. The story was later covered online by the Express and TES.
A Department for Education spokesperson said:
While we don’t comment on leaked documents, our recently published and updated guidance to schools and other stakeholders already provides advice and guidance on EU exit preparations for schools, including food provision, medical supplies and guidance for EU nationals.
We are confident provision for schools will be protected in the event of the UK having to leave the EU without an agreement and there are robust contingency plans in place to ensure schools are prepared in all eventualities.
You can read more here about EU Exit preparations for schools in England.
Family Assessment Centres
Today, Monday 5 August, the Telegraph published an article on children living in residential family assessment centres. The article raises concerns that local authorities may be spending millions pounds each year on parents who are suspected of being unfit to care for their children, in these centres.
A Department for Education spokesperson said:
No child should suffer abuse and it is important that we learn lessons from cases like this to ensure vulnerable children are safeguarded. We have set up new systems for local reviews to ensure lessons are learnt and best practice is shared.
We have also set up the National Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel who review the most serious or complex cases. The independent panel has launched its first review into criminal exploitation which will consider where learning can be shared nationally, and make sure our most vulnerable children are protected.
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