This month:

* Laptop Offer Huge response    *Drop in violent child deaths     *University applications increase again    *DCSF consult on Governance     *IAG conferences *Primary Curriculum On-line  *Plagiarism advice   *Internet can damage your health   *Ofsted outsource inspections   *School Chains announced

Sources: NGA, DCSF, Croner, BBC, Guardian , GovernorNet…

Huge response to free laptops offer (DCSF 8^th Feb)

130,000 families have applied for laptops and broadband for their children – just weeks after Home Access Grant launch. read on

Drop in child deaths by violence (DCSF 4^th Feb)

Bournemouth University study shows violent deaths among children fell by 40 per cent read on

University applications up 23% (BBC 8th Feb)

University applications in the UK rise by over a fifth increasing pressure on places. read on

Consultation on school governance (GovernorNet 3^rd Feb)

The DCSF would like your views on proposed updates to regulations on the exit arrangements for schools from interim executive boards (IEBs) read on

Information, advice and guidance (IAG) conferences (GovernorNet 2nd Feb)

The DCSF is hosting regional conferences in March to support the delivery of the IAG strategy read on

New primary Curriculum available On-Line (QCDA)

The Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA) has launched a new primary curriculum website prior to the introduction of the new primary curriculum in September 2011 in order to give schools and teachers support and guidance well ahead of time. The website includes practical advice and guidance to help teachers, plus resources and best-practice case studies for governors. Read on

Plagiarism Advice (NGA 12th Feb)

In conjunction with Ofqual Plagiarismadvice.org has published three new guides to give teachers, students and parents/carers a greater understanding of how to produce honest, authentic and correctly referenced work.  Read On.

Warning Internet can damage your health. (Croner School Management) 15 Feb

People who spend a lot of time using the Internet are more likely to show depressive symptoms, but further work is needed to determine whether using the Internet causes depression or whether people with mental health problems are drawn to the Internet.  Read On

Ofted plan to outsource inspections (Croner School Management 22nd Feb)

Ofsted plans to outsource 45% of early years inspections to a private company. The Tribal Group would manage EY inspection services for nurseries and childminders. Ofsted would strengthen their role as regulator. Read On

First School Chains announced (DCSF 23 Feb)

New Accredited Schools quality mark enables outstanding school leaders / organisations / institutes to run chains of secondary schools through federations, trust schools and Academies. Comes with new powers for parents and local authorities.  Note: Hull College has successfully become one of the Accredited School Providers. Read on