Daily roundup: Health visiting, exams in Wales and Ofsted proposals for childminders

A new Institute of Health Visiting has been launched to provide a voice for the profession and keep practitioners up to speed with the latest research and practice. The body, which has been set up as an independent charity, was officially unveiled by health minister Dan Poulter. Prime Minister David Cameron said: “I am delighted to welcome the new Institute of Health Visiting. As I have said on a number of occasions, health visitors are vital in improving the health and wellbeing of children, their families and the wider community.”

Students in Wales should continue to sit GCSEs and A-levels as part of a revamped qualifications system, according to an independent report. The review of 14 to 19 education and training calls for more challenging GCSEs testing literacy and numeracy, as well as the creation of a new body to set and regulate exams. Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT, said: “The report appears to be well-balanced and reflects many of the issues raised by the NASUWT during the consultation process. The recommendation to retain GCSEs and A-levels underlines that, despite claims to the contrary, these are valuable qualifications.”