Latest Advice from the DfE
The DfE has announced that funding applications for a Microsoft or Google Digital Education Platform have been extended by 12 months – which will enable more schools to: exploit technology, support their students, and bridge the attainment gap. Schools and responsible bodies now have until the end of March 2022 to register.
In addition, the DfE has published updated guidance in relation to:
- Safeguarding procedures – which now includes guidance on live streaming of lessons when planning remote education.
- Free Internet access for disadvantaged pupils in years 3 to 13 until the end of the summer term.
Ofsted Advice
Earlier this year Ofsted published advice to help schools develop their remote education offer. Ofsted has subsequently released research findings for remote education and SEND strategies based on autumn and spring term interim school visits (in slide pack and video format); as children with special educational needs / disabilities are more vulnerable to the impact of disrupted education.
Google Update
Google has now officially unveiled their rebranding of G Suite for Education, now retitled Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals. Schools already operating a paid subscription tier (G Suite Enterprise for Education) will be migrated onto Google Workspace for Education Plus. Google has produced a blog comparing the new Fundamentals, Standard, Teacher Upgrade and Plus versions of Google Workspace.
Need Help?
As an agnostic solution provider Scomis is well placed to advise you on how best to utilise the DfE funding available, as well as support schools with their learning platforms.