The nights are drawing in and it is certainly starting to feel very autumnal, so it’s a good time to put the kettle on and download the latest FET bulletin!
In this edition we are mainly focussing on the Schools Bill which has been delayed by the new government amid a review of current reforms.
The third reading of the bill in the House of Lords, which was due to take place on 14th September, has now been postponed to a date “to be announced”, according to Parliament’s website.
We that understand that new prime minister Liz Truss and her team are reviewing all current legislation, including the schools bill, following her victory in the Conservative leadership election.
The landmark legislation, which aims to establish a new accountability regime for schools, create a new register of children not in school and greater powers for Ofsted, was already in trouble.
Earlier this year, ministers were forced to slash clauses one to four of the bill, which related to academy standards and intervention powers, and promised to come back with updated plans.
It followed widespread criticism of the proposals, with the Department for Education accused of an attempted “power grab”.
It also comes at a time of uncertainty and high ministerial turnover at the DfE.
Kit Malthouse is the fifth education secretary in a year. Will Quince, the third schools minister to serve since last September, was moved to the health department last night.
Baroness Barran, who has steered the bill through the Lords thus far, will remain as academies minister.
Read more about our concerns regarding the Schools Bill in the bulletin link below.
Closing of the Tavistock…and where do we go from here?
On 28 July it was announced that the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust will be closing down. The infamous clinic will be shutting its doors in spring 2023. We look at what will happen next in light of the Cass Review and the influence of Mermaids, a charity which campaigns for affirmation-only intervention for children suffering with gender dysphoria.
We are pleased to be working closely with the Telegraph in its recent investigation into how Mermaids undermines parents and has been sending breast binders to children and encouraging them to change their names at deed poll clinics. To read more about the Charity Commission and Met Police investigations into Mermaids check out our Facebook page.
What classical gender theory can teach us about the current gender crisis
Oxford University graduate and researcher Clara Morrissey looks at the history of gender theory, analysing how academics such as John Money and feminist writer Simone de Beauvoir have contributed to the current gender crisis in the Western world.
Narnian Virtues: Building Good Character with C.S. Lewis
Piers Shepherd reviews “Narnian Virtues”, a book about the stories of C.S. Lewis which offers parents and teachers plenty of information and inspiration to explore character education, as well as a wealth of helpful activities and examples, and practical guidance. The authors use the Narnia Chronicles to serve a vital purpose: character formation. Lessons about virtue, its value, its vocabulary, are derived from Lewis’ classic tales in ways which go with their grain, helpfully exemplifying his ethical philosophy. A must read for all involved in educating young people – with case studies of schools and families of character demonstrating how children are guided to develop an informed moral compass for the modern age.
Narnian Values is available to buy on Amazon from around £13.
Download the Autumn bulletin using the link below.