Pupils who regard teachers as discriminatory ‘likely to be behind peers’

  • A study led by Queen’s University Belfast has found that school pupils who regard their teachers as discriminatory are likely to be behind in reading and maths.
  • This study is regarded as the first large-scale, multi country research of its kind.
  • One of the conclusions drawn are that when 15-year-old pupils think there is discrimination within their school, their scores are lower on standardised tests.
  • Researchers found that 25% of pupils thought their teachers were discriminatory some of the time or more of the time.
  • Findings highlight that when adolescents perceived a discriminatory school climate, they reported lower school belonging and attached less value to learning and effort.
  • To view the full story, go to the Independent’s website.

‘Immediate action’ needed to improve children’s social care following murders

  • A new landmark strategy to improve children’s social care in England was launched by the government on Thursday.
  • However, care chiefs have said that it has not done enough to help at-risk children now.
  • Under the new proposals, up to 12 councils will be chosen to take part in a two-year-trial that would make it easier for families who raise concerns about vulnerable children to access support.
  • These support services will take the form of helplines and walk-in centres and the most successful ideas will then be rolled out across the country.
  • For more on this story, please visit the Independent’s website.

‘Irresponsible’ Beano is a menace to children’s health

  • An investigation by The British Medical Journal found the Beano, viewed by tens of millions of children, pushed positive content about brands including McDonald’s and Nando’s whilst portraying vegetables as “vile”.
  • Campaigners have criticised the Beano’s willingness to showcase junk food as “cool”.
  • A professor from the University of Auckland called on the company to change its policy, adding that “Corporations which are clever enough to capture and hold children’s attention need to have very high ethical standards”.
  • To read the full story, visit the Telegraph’s website.