Magazines

Education Business 26.02

Building a greener school estate

The first 50 schools have been chosen for rebuilding work under the government’s ten-year programme, which aims to create a fit-for-purpose and greener school estate.

This issue of Education Business looks at the first wave on the rebuilding programme, as well as some of the schools that have won funding, on page 15.

At the time of announcing the programme, it was said that rebuilding projects will be greener, helping meet the government’s net zero target. On page 23, Alex Green, schools manager of the Let’s Go Zero campaign, explains how a growing number of schools are signing up to become zero-carbon by 2030. A school’s energy use is a major factor in this journey and so Alex shares tips on how old school buildings can implement energy saving measures, while new builds can embed energy efficiency within their fabric.

Schools have now welcomed back all pupils following the second round of closures caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and rapid virus testing procedures are now in place. But while children and young people are back in the classroom, schools must still ensure that they can switch to remote learning in instances where children have to self isolate, or there is an outbreak in their school. On page 51, computer science teachers and computing lead teachers share tips about how to make remote education work well, and what changes are here to stay. Page 45 meanwhile gives advice on how to make a school’s IT infrastructure fit-for-purpose.

Angela Pisanu, editor

Education Business 26.01

View Digital Edition

Returning to remote teaching

I write this as schools are shut once again to most pupils and remote teaching is offered at home, in an attempt to curb the drastic rise in Covid-19 cases.

The announcement came at the eleventh hour, once many schools had already opened their doors to pupils for the Spring term.

The constantly changing guidance for schools has been confusing and challenging, to say the least. And despite schools being better prepared to deliver remote learning gained from the first lockdown (and during periods of pupil isolation), it still has its challenges.

There are many barriers to pupils receiving a meaningful education at home.

On page 31, Victoria Temple from the National Centre for Computing Education shares how schools are coping with the challenges of delivering remote education during the pandemic, and Mark Bentley from charitable trust LGfL discusses ways to keep children safe whilst working online.

Page 16 shares the success stories of our recent Education Business Award winners, showcasing the dedication of the education sector during these difficult times.

Angela Pisanu, editor

Education Business 25.06

View Digital Edition

Coping with Covid

The second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic has meant another lockdown in England, although schools remain open this time.

School guidance has been updated to reflect the growing rise in cases – face coverings are now mandatory in communal areas in all secondary schools in England, while older pupils in Scottish schools in high risk areas must wear face masks in classrooms, as do their teachers.

Due to the continued threat posed by the virus, and the constantly evolving regulations, schools have had to adapt to the “new normal”. As Fiona Riley from IOSH points out on page 15, “it’s important we recognise how well schools have dealt the whole Covid-19 situation. There have been outbreaks, but these have been well-managed.” Fiona goes on to say that schools must also risk assess the mental health of staff to ensure they feel safe in their working environment, and are coping with the burdens caused by the pandemic.

This is backed by Alison Powell, head of HR at Severn Academies Educational Trust (SAET), who says that providing support to teachers, and spotting early warning signs that they may be struggling, are key to reducing professional burnout and absenteeism. Read her feature on page 67.

The Education Business Awards will be taking place digitally on 26 November, and the shortlist will be finalised imminently (keep your eyes on www.ebawards.co.uk). In the meantime, on page 51, we preview the event and take a look at past winners’ success stories.

Angela Pisanu, editor

Education Business 25.05

View Digital Edition

The “new normal” for schools

It’s September, and schools have opened to all pupils, albeit with new Covid-safety measures in place.

Schools have had the difficult task of balancing risk management with providing the full educational experience that pupils so desperately need, after months of school closures.
This issue of Education Business looks at how schools can move forward in a safe manner, while Covid-19 still poses a real threat.

We gather advice from a range of experts on page 36 on how schools can operate safely during the ongoing pandemic, such as by implementing robust cleaning and hygiene measures, as well as addressing staff and recruitment issues, and the safe use of school facilities after hours.

With further disruption to learning possible, caused by self isolating pupils or another lockdown, schools must have a remote learning plan in place. On page 43, Amy Cook from the Key outlines the benefits of getting a digital education platform set up, as well as what support is available from the DfE.

The government’s ten year school rebuilding programme is also examined – from both an environmental point of view (page 23), and from a design perspective (page 19).

Angela Pisanu, editor