In a bid to radically improve the standard of education in English schools, the UK government will be enforcing new guidelines. Part of these new changes will require that times tables are learned by age 9. Full story

England's Children's Commissioner, Maggie Atkinson, published her office’s submission to the UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review yesterday. Speaking out against the incarceration of young people Dr Atkinson stated, "Most children in this country are enjoying their childhood; they can attend school; are protected from harm and enjoy time with friends.But we continue to fail many vulnerable and marginalised children when their treatment is judged against the benchmark of the principles outlined in human rights treaties.”  Full Story

In an attempt to raise numeracy standards in schools, the UK government has stated that children will be required to know their times tables and division by age 9. Full story.

Official league tables have identified those primary schools where pupils are  are not meeting government standards in English and maths. It is reported that about 1000 primary schools may close or be taken over. Full story

The recent revelations of endemic corruption within the UK examination board has cast a new light on the education system as a whole. While there may be many explanations of pressure on schools to out-perform each other. Questions are being asked about how this could have happened. Full story

The Guardian reports on a new guide,The Complete Book of Combat With Mum, which is the children's response to the Tiger Parenting described by Amy Chua in her book, Battle Hymn of The Tiger Mother. Written by two schoolgirls, it  offers coping strategies when 'pushy' parenting leads children to desperation. Full story