Former Ofsted head criticizes Education Secretary's priorities

Amanda Spielman, the former head of Ofsted, has criticized Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson for prioritizing teachers' unions over children's needs. She urged Phillipson to reconsider proposed reforms that would require academies to follow the national curriculum. The proposed changes would limit academies' ability to hire expert teachers without formal qualifications. Critics argue these reforms could reduce the independence of state-funded schools, which unions have long opposed. Today, MPs will discuss amendments to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, including making smacking children a criminal offense. This follows high-profile cases of child abuse, prompting calls for stricter legal measures.