Daily roundup 12 October: Disadvantaged children, T-Levels, and child abuse trial

Disadvantaged children are being shut out from learning a rich range of knowledge, as schools restrict low-attaining pupils to "badges and stickers" rather than history or geography, the chief inspector of schools in England has said. The Guardian reports that Amanda Spielman, chief inspector of Ofsted, said social mobility could be at risk if some pupils were given restricted options and schools watered down their curriculum to concentrate on exam results. In a commentary published by Ofsted, Spielman said low-attaining pupils should "not be shut out of parts of the essential body of knowledge".


The creation of three new "T-levels" in digital, construction, and education and childcare, has been announced. The Department for Education said the first of the new qualifications will be taught from 2020, with the full set of T-levels introduced by 2022.


A two-year-old girl is believed to have become the youngest person to give evidence in a UK criminal case, which led to her abuser is sent to prison for more than 10 years for sexual offences against the child. The Independent reports that the toddler was interviewed by a specialist child abuse police officer, assisted by a Ministry of Justice-registered intermediary who advised on the best way to question the child.


A total of 32 academy leaders have been elected to help shape the future of schools in their local areas. The Department for Education said the leaders - who were elected by their peers across the country - will each join one of the eight regional headteacher boards across England. The boards will provide support to regional schools commissioners in providing effective oversight of local schools.


Children and toddlers whose fingers are crushed by closing doors can end up with lifelong problems, plastic surgeons have warned. The BBC reports that around 30,000 children trap their fingers in doors each year and more than 1,500 of them need surgery. Surgeons have recommended that parents fit safety catches on all suitable doors at home.


At least 32 school pupils who went missing in the past three years in Scotland have never been found, it has emerged. The BBC reports that in many cases children may have moved abroad without the school being told. However, agencies said other children could have disappeared for more "sinister" reasons including abuse and forced marriage.