Reforms affecting the school workforce, particularly the reduction in teachers’ overall hours, have resulted in a revolutionary shift in workforce culture, with clear benefits for many schools. This is the conclusion of the report from Ofsted.Headteachers and senior managers continue to sustain a heavy workload, but increasingly they are supported by well qualified and experienced managers from outside education which is allowing them to allocate more time for strategic leadership and management. The substantial expansion of the wider workforce at all levels is allowing the survey schools to extend the curriculum, provide more care, guidance and support for pupils, and use data more effectively to monitor pupils’ progress.

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Staff at Bristol City Council have become the first ever European winners of a major American award. The council’s Corporate Procurement team have carried off the US National Purchasing Institute Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award, which recognises excellence in public procurement by measuring innovation, professionalism, productivity, e-procurement and leadership.

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New research has shown overwhelming public backing for tough action against anyone who assaults social care staff. More than half the people questioned would support benefit cuts and Anti-Social Behaviour Orders for those responsible. At the same time figures show there were more than 4,000 assaults on care staff in just 12 local authority areas in a single year.

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