Similar to the 1990s - nimble, smaller players no match for stronger, bigger team. Not sure Mann and Thomas can play at this level. Agree, there are young players who can develop

White Paper published a paragraph at a time.

Missed opportunity to make a real change that might actually improve schools - just another Chief Inspector lauding their framework as brilliant. We will go through a same cycle of harsh grading, despair, slack grading and then on to a new ‘brilliant’ framework. Simply a new veneer on a 20thC plan.

When I drive down the M5 approaching Cheltenham I see signs to use this lane for the South West. Similar signs can be seen outside Bristol. What is the real data for the real South West of the country when you remove the West of England/Midlands?!

Not seen much of Rehan but if he spins it then that would explain why he was not picked. England prefer spinners that don’t spin it and ‘hold an end down’. Bazball does out extend to bowling

Agree, sounds reasonable. Will be even better if the rises are (really) fully funded and a three year funding package is set out. Interesting how funding will pan out with curriculum change.

And yet everything that comes from the DfE is short termist - from its school building funding to the actual cutting of NPQs - a nationally recognised qualification. What is suggested here leads to duplication of work, little QA and ego’s to the fore.

Awful batting display by England. Too many players not good enough and crucially selectors also not good enough. Crawley, Pope and Bashir not playing well enough to be in a test team.

Crawley out in the 20s after a loose drive. Another certainty of life in England.

Makes Root even more impressive as all too often he is going in very early in the innings. Pope and Crawley often look awful.

Or schools are safe places run by dedicated professionals.

Agree. New coaching team also not a cure but may have brought a new mindset/new coach bounce (probably wishful thinking!).

Interesting decision to rest some players (I know not that many!) and not to have the permanent coaching team in place

Rugby has a real problem if it continues with refs like Dixon. Why pay to watch games when the ref is the star. I don’t support either team and have been frustrated watching this

Dixon referring like he played 100 times for Bath.

As usual an excellent analysis of the problem. My son’s EHCP appears directionless and without ambition. There is little theory of change for the child - what are we aiming for by 16&18? How will this happen? Far too much focus on off the peg interventions that often remove the child from lessons.

A criterion referenced ‘foundation maths’ GCSE (max Grade 4) would provide employers with the knowledge that students could cope. Those who want to could take the more usual ‘academic’ GCSE (grades 5-9).
Allowing retakes on a bell curve system would not solve problem of low passes.

We need honesty in education. Governments should fully fund a pay increase - it is their ‘gift’. Currently, some schools given more than needed and other less. This methodology has been the same for pensions, NI and prev. Pay increases. Integrity and honesty lacking.

I simply don’t understand the logic. This pay award is largely funded by schools who cannot afford it. If the ‘hope’ is that the government value education, where is the evidence? DFE could use workforce census to fund accurately

For my school, 1% funded and 3% not. This is plain speak, honest language. This government, and indeed the previous one, simply tell lies.

I can just imagine the media reaction if the WRU let Cardiff go bust. Wales always lets local issues dominate long term strategic thinking.

Welsh rugby does not help itself. WRU had to step in to save Cardiff but others now moaning about equality of finance. If W. wales teams sign agreement maybe thoughts of dropping a team would disappear.

You may well be correct but not long ago that he had been totally discarded by England. Faletau a much better player that if you go on past performances, should be in (especially as specialist 8s look thin. Selection is always such fun!

Elliot Dally fortunate to be included. A good wing, centre and fullback but not exceptional in any position. Not in first 15 for England.

And by pay for it it should mean exactly that by making use of the workforce census data. The DFE know who is UPS etc. no need to include TLR (down to schools). Also, an impact on pension, NI.

I agree there is a clear need for providers that have an expertise to be more involved in course provision (not the same old). My point is currently Golden thread can be spread around a large number of providers and course design. Latter creates waste that we cannot afford at this time.

@loicmnzs.bsky.social Great report on p.d in schools - thank you. In terms of providers there is a great deal of competition and duplication in the country wasting time and money. Golden thread should be through a few providers only with the RISE prompted course through centres with proven expertise

Useful report. The use of many local and national providers creates duplication and competition that leads to a waste of money. Surely a national system perhaps using NIOT and or TS Hubs should be used. Fragmentation and competition wastes time and money when we have neither in abundance.

When asked about the definition of ‘fully funded’, A senior civil servant at the DfE stated that the policy was to give schools money and then it was up to the HT how to spend it. They don’t understand that the DfE has made changed pay, NI and pensions not us. Fully funded should mean exactly that.

Thanks for the link. Exeter is also a partner and we have spoken with the SW commission for social mobility. The SW is a region often forgotten about and it has some specific issues as highlighted in the link.