Daily roundup 25 April: Academies, phonics and child refugees

The government’s plans to force all schools to convert to academies by 2020 could be dropped from the Queen’s Speech next month. The Guardian reports that Conservative backbench MPs have told Education Secretary Nicky Morgan that the plans as they stand will be defeated if put to a vote in the House of Commons. It follows a report by the County Councils Network that warned the changes included in the Educational Excellence Everywhere white paper are being rushed through and could damage school standards.


Traditional teaching methods championed by government do not improve children's reading skills, a study by the London School of Economics (LSE) shows. Researchers found that using phonics to teach reading does help those from disadvantaged backgrounds and those who don't have English as their first language. However, the method has had 'no measurable effect on pupils’ reading scores at age 11, reports the Telegraph.


Up to a dozen Conservative backbench MPs are considering backing a Labour amendment to the Immigration Bill that would increase the number of child refugees admitted to the UK. The amendment, which is backed by the House of Lords, commits Britain to taking 3,000 unaccompanied asylum seeking children who are already living in camps in Europe. The government is against the move saying it will encourage other children to try and make the dangerous journey, reports the Daily Mail.


The wellbeing of 11-year-olds improved after they were taught mental health techniques by sixth-formers, a study has found. Pupils in the sixth forms at four London schools developed the course, which includes information about eating disorders and self-harm, after talking to 11-year-olds. Pupils’ perceptions of their restlessness, anger, solitariness, nervousness and desire to help others “all improved” after the course, reports the Times.


Parents have been warned of eviction if they let their children play out in front of their council homes. The Mirror reports bosses at Wealden District Council in East Sussex told the 28 tenants at Evelyn Clark Square that their children must play in their back gardens or at a nearby park. ?


The proportion of families in crisis seeking help from a charity is higher in Leeds than anywhere else in Yorkshire, data has shown. The Yorkshire Evening Post reports that charity Buttle UK gave out 2,696 emergency grants to vulnerable families and young people in Leeds over the last 10 years, with a further 903 grants being made in Wakefield. Overall, more than 11,310 grants were made in Yorkshire.?