The Staffroom – opinion

Learners with SEND take centre stage in our jobs marketplace

Real-life learning in our unique college marketplace is vital training for students’ future employment prospects, says Jennifer Fawcett-Jones

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Jennifer Fawcett-Jones
Governance

Three priorities for college governors in the lead-up to a general election

Shaid Mahmood shares his insights on the future of governance as he stands down from his position as Luminate…

JL Dutaut
Shaid Mahmood
Degree apprenticeships

Colleges are key to disrupting higher education and powering apprenticeships

A new college hopes to spearhead a revolution in HE provision but real change will depend on a broader,…

JL Dutaut
James Kelly
Adult education

Confidence and choice remain barriers to edtech for adults

Marking Lifelong Learning Week’s ‘Learning for the Future day’, Rebecca Garrod-Waters presents the latest data from the Adult Participation…

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Rebecca Garrod-Waters
Mental Health

Young people’s access to mental health support shouldn’t be such a lottery

Nick Harrison reflects on new Sutton Trust findings on the breadth, depth and inequities of the mental health crisis…

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Nick Harrison
The Staffroom – opinion

Why colleges should train more to become mental health first aiders  

David Murray explains why he became a mental health first aider and why he thinks more FE staff should…

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David Murray


edtech

Integrating digital skills into qualifications is no longer a ‘nice to have’

Digital know-how is now essential to every sector and modern life, says James Lane. We can no longer afford…

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James Lane
Ofsted

Is ‘good’ good enough to encompass the range of practices in FE?

Analysis of inspection reports calls into question the accuracy of a grade category ascribed to nearly two-thirds of FE…

JL Dutaut
Kerry Boffey
Apprenticeships

Every pound raised through the levy should be spent on apprenticeships

Any reform of the apprenticeship levy should first ensure it fully delivers – and is seen to deliver -…

JL Dutaut
Mandy Crawford-Lee
Training Providers

If there is a plan for ITPs, it isn’t working

The government needs to come clean on its strategy for the independent training sector before even more providers go…

Shane Chowen
Rob Foulston
Politics

It’s time to focus policy and resources on the other 50 per cent first

For all the focus on FE, none of the recent announcements will move the dial for the perenially under-resourced

JL Dutaut
Mark Dawe
The Staffroom – opinion

Learning about the dark web safely (for over-18s only)

Paul Gartside makes the case for safely exploring the theory and reality of the dark internet with learners, in…

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Paul Gartside