A new Girlguiding uniform providing a range of tops, as well as a dress and skirt has been launched as part of the organisation’s efforts to improve girls’ body confidence. The new uniform, designed by fashion students at Arts University Bournemouth, is the first major Guide uniform redesign since 2000.
Teachers could be prevented from teaching traditional Christian values in independent schools because of new rules designed to combat Islamic extremism, it has been claimed. The Telegraph reports that the Christian Institute is considering a legal challenge to proposed new regulations issued following the so-called Trojan Horse scandal, claiming they could be used to clamp down on schools teaching anything deemed politically incorrect on issues such as marriage.
A ballot seeking the views of thousands of 11- to 18-year-olds on a range of youth-related topics has been launched by the UK Youth Parliament. The results of the ballot, which features votes at 16 and youth service funding, will influence the topics debated by UK Youth Parliament MPs during their annual debate at the House of Commons in November.
Charities that provide respite for families with disabled children are set to have their funding reduced as part of cost-cutting measures at Hampshire County Council. The Portsmouth News reports that the authority wants to shave £1.85m from the £3.2m it sets aside to help provide short break activities for children with disabilities.
A nursery in Kilburn has been criticised by Ofsted for failing to improve a dangerous outdoor play area. The Brent and Kilburn Times reports that Seahorses Day Nursery was judged “inadequate” after a second inspection in as many months found that children were still being exposed to a range of safety hazards, including a heavy plastic door with sharp edges.
And finally, an out-of-school club in Lancashire has been branded "inadequate" by Ofsted. The Accrington Observer reports that Stonefold Sharks, which operates from St John Stonefold CE School in Rising Bridge was criticised in three key areas by the regulator. A report found that the manager and staff have insufficient knowledge and understanding of the statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.
