Daily roundup: Academy schools, foster care, and careers advice

The education select committee has announced an inquiry into the academies programme. It is calling for written evidence on various aspects of the programme, including the effectiveness of academies in narrowing the gap for disadvantaged children and the role academy chains play in the new school landscape. The committee is also seeking suggestions on alternatives to academy status for failing schools. The deadline for submitting evidence is 19 December.

Oxford University researchers have found that the children of foster parents are positive about their parents’ decision to foster. A review of international studies conducted by the Rees Centre for Research in Fostering and Education at the university found that a significant factor contributing to the success of fostering in families is keeping the children of foster parents involved in the decision-making process.

The National Careers Service is continuing to perform well according to annual survey responses. A report found that customers continue to rate the service very highly with 94 per cent of face-to-face and telephone customers agreed that the service was good, compared to 93 per cent last year. The findings contrast with those of a recent Ofsted review that criticised the advice offered by the service.