Opinion

The DfE sees SEND learners as an economic problem to solve 

The green paper offers scant support for older learners and has a narrow focus on employment outcomes, writes David…

Jess Staufenberg
David Ellis
The Staffroom – opinion

Leaving the Army and joining a training provider was a culture shock 

Many service leavers lack confidence in their skills when they exit the armed forces. Providers and employers must step…

Jess Staufenberg
Alex Firmin
Opinion

As students, all we want is a seat at the table 

Young people are experts about young people, and their voices should stop being ignored, writes Lois Rance  Have you…

Jess Staufenberg
Lois Rance
Opinion

A plea to independent training providers – make your voices heard 

Some ITPs may have small or no marketing departments, but many are very keen to get learner and staff…

Jess Staufenberg
Nicki Hay
Wellbeing

Fit your own mental health oxygen mask before fitting others

If we want our staff to support students, we must prioritise their wellbeing, writes Asfa Sohail Even though life…

Jess Staufenberg
Asfa Sohail
Opinion

The level 2 qualifications review is deafeningly silent on key problems

The review seems unaware of the sell-by dates of its proposals – and that’s only the beginning, writes Gordon…

Jess Staufenberg
Gordon Marsden


The Staffroom – opinion

How to do lesson observations that don’t scare everyone

Employers keeping score stops lesson observations from being a real development opportunity, writes Neil Jones Lesson observation at our…

Jess Staufenberg
Neil Jones
Opinion

Despite the risks, training providers must grasp devolution

Combined authorities might favour ‘bricks and mortar’ provision so training providers need to be ready, writes Jane Hickie On…

Jess Staufenberg
Jane Hickie
Skills reform

The skills bill’s ambition cannot become reality without colleges

Royal assent for the bill moves the country closer to an employer-led skills system, but it can’t happen without…

Jess Staufenberg
Alex Burghart
FE Week Podcast

The FE Week Podcast: Is there a device crisis in FE?

Is device use seriously negatively affecting student learning? How can devices be used well? And what is the situation…

Jess Staufenberg
The FE Week Podcast
T Levels

Here are 3 urgent ways T Levels still need reforming

Everything from too-strict entry requirements to the exams timetable are stopping T Levels from working on the ground, writes…

Jess Staufenberg
Vernon Shaw
Skills reform

Scrapping smaller level 2 qualifications would be a national disaster

Many of the small qualifications the government wants to scrap are the best stepping stones for vulnerable individuals, warns…

Jess Staufenberg
Adrian Grove