Branwen Jeffreys Published 11 December 2015 Share close Share page Copy link About sharing The chief inspector of schools has never been afraid of controversy, and with this latest intervention against unregistered schools he is firmly stepping into the debate about how and where people can choose to educate their children. It is perfectly legal to choose to educate your children at home, and if you do make that choice there is no obligation to follow a particular curriculum. It is also perfectly legal to run a part-time tuition centre to offer additional teaching and support to children who are home-educated. And if your part-time education centre teaches children for fewer than 20 hours a week there are remarkably few obligations. You don't have to register with the authorities or be open to inspection, unlike a private fee-paying school. This has created a grey … [Read more...] about Ofsted steps into debate over parents’ right to choose education
Donald trump advice on choosing a career
Illegal unregistered schools face prosecution
By Branwen Jeffreys Published 11 December 2015 Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Ofsted is to set up a taskforce of inspectors to seek out unregistered schools that are operating outside the law in England. Chief Inspector of Schools Sir Michael Wilshaw says there is a serious and growing threat to the safety of children. Inspectors have found three unregistered schools operating in Birmingham in recent weeks. The government says it is taking robust steps against unregistered schools. Analysis : From BBC education editor Branwen Jeffreys Anywhere that offers more than 20 hours a week of teaching is legally obliged to be registered as a school. The three schools inspected by Ofsted had not met this requirement to register. It is likely the children being sent to some of the centres breaching that threshold are registered as home-educated. The … [Read more...] about Illegal unregistered schools face prosecution
Phillip Rhodes returns to Aotearoa for star role in Wellington Opera’s La Traviata
Phillip Rhodes (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Kahungunu) is a husband and father of two. He grew up in Hawke’s Bay and was fostered by Henare and Pam O'Keefe. He left Aotearoa to study singing in Cardiff, after winning the Lexus Song Quest in 2007. With support from Dame Kiri Te Kanawa’s foundation, he managed to establish himself as a professional singer in Europe with regular appearances in the UK's leading opera companies, including Opera North, Scottish Opera, Welsh National, English National and the Royal Opera House. He’s now come back home for Wellington Opera’s La Traviata, which shows from July 9-16 at the St James Theatre. What is the show you’re involved with? I will be singing the role of Giorgio Germont. Giorgio is a man of his time, a father who loves his son, and dotes on his (betrothed) daughter. He is a father who, like many, is willing to walk into hell in order to save his children. But in order to rescue his daughter's marriage he demands the termination of his son's … [Read more...] about Phillip Rhodes returns to Aotearoa for star role in Wellington Opera’s La Traviata
Auberon Waugh
Auberon Waugh's death at the age of 61 is more sad than surprising. His immediate heredity wasn't promising - his father died at 62, his mother at 57 - and he suffered from ill-health all his life, partly resulting from severe wounds sustained during National Service at the age of 18. That may, in part, have accounted for the acidic personality which made him the most verbally brutal journalist of his age. Everyone who met him remarked on the contrast between his ferocity in print and his personal geniality, but this was hard to explain to those who didn't know him, especially if they had been on the rough end of his pen. Apart from health, his background shaped his career in one other respect. He spent much of his life trying to escape from the shadow of his father, the greatest English novelist of his age. This provided an obvious weapon for Auberon's enemies. Philip Larkin joked about "my projected series, Talentless Sons of Famous Fathers - Waugh, Amis, Fuller...", and for … [Read more...] about Auberon Waugh
All the Tories brutally turning against Boris Johnson’s leadership as MPs ‘read last rites’
Shameless Boris Johnson has told friends he will "smash on" despite a string of resignations. The Prime Minister is said to have declared "I'm not going anywhere” despite Rishi Sunak , Sajid Javid and his Solicitor General all resigning last night. But MPs have other ideas - with a string of Tories from across the spectrum reading him the “last rites”. While the Cabinet are now mostly firm, the PM is being rocked by a string of junior resignations from government. Between 6pm on Tuesday and 2pm on Wednesday 21 MPs resigned from the government - nine ministers, nine parliamentary private secretaries, two trade envoys and one Tory vice chair. Back bench MPs across the spectrum, from moderate ex-ministers Chris Skidmore and Nick Gibb to culture war Red Wallers Jonathan Gullis, Tom Hunt and Lee Anderson, have charged over the top. For so many MPs, the revelation the PM knew about claims against MP Chris Pincher, then promoted him repeatedly, then “forgot” he’d been told, is … [Read more...] about All the Tories brutally turning against Boris Johnson’s leadership as MPs ‘read last rites’
Dogs’ tail positions explained and what they reveal about their mood
As a dog owner, it's important to keep an eye on your pet's behaviour as sudden changes could suggest something is wrong with them. And their body language is always a good place to start - especially their tail position. The RSPCA has put together a guide to help owners "recognise important body language signals and get to know how their dog is feeling". If you're ever concerned about your dog's behaviour - or think something might be wrong with them - contact your vet for advice on what to do. Sign up to our TeamDogs newsletter for your weekly dose of dog news, pictures and stories. A happy dog A dog will have a relaxed or wagging tail when they're happy ( Image: Getty Images/Cavan Images RF) If your dog has a relaxed body posture, open mouth, ears in their natural position, eyes in their normal shape and a wagging tail then they're in a good mood. When in a happy mood, a dog might be more inclined to play with their owner or other dogs - and … [Read more...] about Dogs’ tail positions explained and what they reveal about their mood
What happens if Boris Johnson resigns or is sacked – rules and process explained
Boris Johnson’s leadership is once again dangling by a thread after the bombshell resignations of his Chancellor and Health Secretary. Once-loyal MPs such as Sally-Ann Hart and Jonathan Gullis also joined the chorus turning on the PM, weeks after voting for him. And bookies tonight suspended betting on the Prime Minister being sent packing. Mr Johnson has styled things out before and with most of his other Cabinet ministers loyally backing him, he could try to stay. But if he is forced to quit by the “men in grey suits” in his party, here’s how the process would work. What happens if Boris Johnson resigns? Tory MPs and members hold a leadership contest to choose a new leader - and therefore the new Prime Minister, without an election. This happened in 2019, when Theresa May resigned after months of backbiting. The exact rules of each Tory leadership contest vary, but there are two stages and the process takes a couple of months. First, Tory MPs whittle the … [Read more...] about What happens if Boris Johnson resigns or is sacked – rules and process explained
Denise Van Outen’s new man Jimmy Barba starred in Tom Jones’ raunchy Sex Bomb music video
Denise Van Outen’s new man really is a Sex Bomb, after starring in Tom Jones’ official music video 23 years ago. Jimmy Barba, 55, who was pictured with Denise for the first time on Wednesday night when they attended the Grand Prix Ball together, was the main love interest in the raunchy video. And he even joined Tom on stage on the BBC ’s Top of the Pops, where he gyrated with three female dancers. Jimmy, who grew up on a cucumber farm in the UK, also starred in the 2010 Italian version of Big Brother , called Grande Fratello, where he was in a relationship with a female contestant. He finished fourth. Denise Van Outen and her new boyfriend Jimmy Barba's first public appearance ( Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage) Jimmy is no stranger to the world of entertainment ( Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images) During the show, it was said he had been a dancer for Take That and Diana Ross. After Big Brother, he had a short-lived pop career, releasing three … [Read more...] about Denise Van Outen’s new man Jimmy Barba starred in Tom Jones’ raunchy Sex Bomb music video
Most only have £500 of savings says Lloyds boss
By Simon Jack Published 2 hours ago comments Comments Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Most Lloyds Bank customers have less than £500 of savings in their accounts, its chief executive said. Charlie Nunn said Lloyds had seen customers seeking debt advice jump up by a third in just the first six months of this year. Credit card spending on travel was up 300% on last year, but the majority of Lloyd's customers were worried about the cost of living, he said. It was possible for the UK to avoid the recession many are predicting, he said. It comes as UK households struggle with the soaring cost of food, energy bills and fuel as inflation rises at the fastest rate in 40 years. The head of the UK's biggest high street bank told the BBC: "80% of individuals and UK customers and families have less than £500 pounds worth of savings in their current … [Read more...] about Most only have £500 of savings says Lloyds boss
Household energy bills to hit £3,000 per year
By Faisal Islam Published 6 hours ago comments Comments Share close Share page Copy link About sharing All types of household energy bill are now heading above £3,000 a year this winter, say energy industry sources. The rise is 7% higher than the predicted prices on which the government's recently announced cost of living support package was based. The government said it didn't recognise the figures, but added it and Ofgem "keep a close watch on energy prices". National Energy Action said there were "few signs of energy prices becoming affordable this winter". The bleak prediction comes as households are already struggling with rising food and fuel prices. Every UK household is to get an energy bill discount of £400 this October, whilst poorest households will also get a payment of £650. When will households get the £400 energy grant? … [Read more...] about Household energy bills to hit £3,000 per year