Daily roundup 13 December: Child protection, global competence and city design

The Department for Education has published an evaluation on how effective the safeguarding children and analysis framework (SAAF) is in helping social workers protect children from harm. The study was designed to determine whether using SAAF would result in children being less likely to experience maltreatment or re-abuse. It found that children assessed using SAAF were less likely to be subject of a child protection plan than a control group.


International education rankings are to take "global competence" into account, said the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The BBC reports that the Pisa tests, which compare pupils' ability in reading, maths and science, will also ask questions about fake news, global warming and racism. The inaugural tests for global competence will take place in about 80 countries next year.


Cities need to become more child-friendly to improve their economic performance, a study has found. The report by global engineering and design consultancy, Arup has argued that cities must address the needs of children, or risk families choosing to move away. Children's ability to travel independently, the time they spend playing outdoors and their connection to nature are all indicators of how a city is performing, it adds.


The gender pay gap is perpetuated by teenage girls who want jobs that pay less, a study has found. The Telegraph reports that research from University College London's Institute for Education has found that, while teenage girls have higher aspirations than boys to attend university, their male counterparts tend to aspire towards professions with bigger salaries.


Primary schools should ensure books featuring transgender parents are included in the curriculum, according to new guidance for head teachers. The Metro reports that the National Association of Headteachers worked on the advice with campaign group Stonewall which also suggests school leaders should "celebrate diversity and ensure visibility of trans perspectives".


Two UK cancer organisations will merge in 2018. The organisations, Teenagers and Young Adults with Cancer and the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group will merge to bring together experts in the field to improve care and extend service reach for young patients.