• The government is planning to release league tables this year using a less formal system of teacher assessment. For the first time, these scores will sit alongside raw Sats results. This announcement comes despite many teachers' boycott of the tests being an objection to the pressure league tables put on schools. Telegraph
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• Inspection body Estyn has said that secondary schools can learn from primary schools how to keep pupils adept at mental and written maths calculations. They found a widening gap in the number of pupils who were achieving the expected level in maths age 11 and age 14. BBC

• Economists expect labour market data released this morning to show that the number of unemployed dropped another 20,000 in April, following a 32,000 drop in March. At 2.5 million, the jobless count is at its highest since 1994 and particularly high among the over 50s. Guardian
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• IPPR research suggests that more than a million people are working part-time out of 'necessity rather than convenience' because no full-time work is available; one in five involuntary part-time workers are between 16 and 24. Employment for people with fewer than five GCSEs has fallen by 8% since the recession began. Guardian
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• A study published today in the Lancet has shown that the rates of deaths among children under 5 in Britain is worse than anywhere else in Western Europe, as women are delaying motherhood and lead unhealthy lives. More than half of the deaths occurred within the first four weeks of life and many were preventable. Mail
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• US research has shown that a phone call from a mother stimulates the same hormonal response as a hug for children under stress. Oxytocin, which alleviates the stress hormone cortisol, rose in the girls aged 7-12 to the same extent when they spoke to their mothers as hugged them; it was previous thought to require physical contact. BBC


• Mosaic, a group formed to encourage young Muslims to engage with society, founded by Prince Charles, is seeking Muslims to be scout group leaders. There is currently a waiting list of 33,500 youngsters unable to become scouts because of the shortfall. BBC


• Clinical trials are underway to test the efficacy of ultrasound waves as a cheap, reversible contraceptive for men. Scientists claim that a blast of ultrasound can stop sperm production for six months. The long term effects of the treatment remain unclear. Mail


• The case of a transsexual who is claiming it is her human right to have a breast enlargement operation on the NHS is undergoing judicial review proceedings at the High Court. The West Berkshire PCT insists the procedure is for 'cosmetic' rather than health reasons and so is refusing to fund it. Telegraph


• A former NVQ assessor with staff in local care talks about her experience of what makes a good carer. Guardian

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