LEAD IN SCHOOL DRINKING WATER
Using information from Environmental Information Regulations it shows that the toxic metal is still being found in water in schools at levels well above the standard of 10 micrograms per litre despite a ban on lead pipes in 1970. In 59 tests in 32 schools over the past decade lead has been found at or above the 10 micrograms standard.
In 95 tests in around 50 schools lead was found to be above 5 micrograms per litre, the level set by EU recently.
SATS REVEAL READING ABILITY FALLS AMONG PRIMARY PUPILS
Primary pupils are still being deeply affected by the pandemic and this is reflected in the academic attainment of primary pupils in England. Government statistics show that in reading attainment 73% achieved the expected standard which was down from 75% last year.
PLANS TO EMBED SPEAKING SKILLS
Keir Starmer has said that that teaching oracy skill in using spoken language would be a key part of Labour’s educational priorities if they take office after the next general election.
SCREEN TIME
With school holidays starting parents can expect a surge in the screen time of their children. Normally in the UK children aged 5-16 spend an average of 6.3 hours per day on screens.
Recently 2000 parents responded to a BBC/ Survation appeal where parents were asked about what children watch and how they feel about it.
The research found that 67% of parents are concerned about what their child is watching but most see the real value of screens.65% agreed that screens had the ability to foster creativity and communication.
ADHD RISE IN CASES
A team from University College, London reviewed ADHD data and found in absolute terms the rise in cases was highest in children. In 2000, 1.4% of boys aged 10-16 had an ADHD diagnosis rising to 3.5% in 2018. Of these in 2000, 0.6% had been prescribed ADHD medication compared with 2.4% in 2018.
The researchers are predicting a continuing rise in diagnoses and said ADHD was more commonly found in children than adults. It was more common in boys and men than in girls and women.
MORE FAMILIES TAKING CHILDREN ON HOLIDAY IN TERM TIME
According to figures from DfE nearly 3 million school days were lost during the Summer Term 2022 on unauthorised holiday absences. This represents a 12.5% increase on the same period in 2019.
BOARD GAMES HELP TO TEACH MATHS SKILLS
Board games based on numbers can help young children to get better at maths.
For 3-9 year olds the format of number based board games helps to improve counting, addition and the ability to recognise if a number is higher or lower than another.
BAN MOBILE PHONES FROM THE CLASSROOM
Nick Gibbons, the schools minister said he backed a ban on smartphones in the classroom so that pupils could spend more time socialising with friends and also focusing on their lessons. If parents are worried about the safety of their child,then they could give them a basic phone.
Finland has recently banned mobile phones in classrooms for pupils aged 7-15 years old in an attempt to reverse falling exam results.
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