The Week Ahead weekly newsletter

One of our parents has shared a radio interview with the founders of 'Smart phone free childhood'. She found it was really interesting, and good to hear as a parent of children who don't have smart phones, that there are other parents out there doing the same. 

Their website is  https://smartphonefreechildhood.co.uk/   and there was an article in the Guardian a couple of months ago about the thinking behind the movement and their collective approach to the issue. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/feb/17/thousands-join-uk-parents-calling-for-smartphone-free-childhood

Petition link - https://chng.it/8rPHW9FDHg

From the ICS:

All schools should be in touch with local politicians to make them aware of the impact of Labour’s tax proposals. We encourage you to focus on the impact on your parents, local state schooling, and your school operations. Stress whenever possible your school’s public benefit work, and existing links to the local community – as well as any specialised provision. While we still expect to see the tax proposals in the next Labour manifesto, our combined efforts are necessary to provide the best possible basis for conversations with Labour if they form the next government.

The ISC and associations are working at a national level to engage with the Labour VAT/charitable tax policy – but schools also have a vital role to play as local advocates. We are speaking to political parties, education groups, and unions – making them aware of the unintended consequences of the policy, but also the hugely positive role independent schools play in UK education. We are also highlighting the diversity of independent schools, the specialisms schools provide, and myth-busting about the true nature of our sector.