According to the latest DCSF figures there were 250 maths, 270 science and 210 English vacancies.

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"We cannot deliver all the high expectations heaped on us by society and by the DCSF, " she said.

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The definition of Level 5 for English given by the DCSF is "a knowing reader, who writes for effect".

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The DCSF should continue to tackle the issue of the disproportionate number of pupils with special needs who are excluded, he says.

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The use of uniforms is justified but prohibitive charging for them is not, according to the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).

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She added that Ed Balls, Secretary of State at the DCSF, had instructed Lord Laming to report on progress in implementing safeguarding arrangements for children in England in light of the Baby P case.

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The general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, Mick Brookes, also said he hoped the DCSF had learnt from "the complete mess" it had made of the announcement of the secondary scheme.

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