Monday

Children who fail to master basic maths cost society up to £44,000 by their late 30s, according to a report on innumeracy by KPMG, the professional services firm. Separately, David Spiegelhalter, the UK's only Professor of the Public Understanding of Risk, told The Times that secondary school children should be taught statistics including probability to help them to weigh up everyday risks.

Former ministers are cashing in on inside knowledge “with impunity” according to a committee of MPs that wants tougher regulations on lobbying. A report from the Commons Public Administration Committee said that safeguards to prevent politicians and civil servants using information and contacts need wholesale reform.

Tuesday

Thousands of pupils are being suspended for sexually bullying other pupils or teachers. Government figures show that 3,500 children were given fixed-term exclusions from school for sexual misconduct in the 2006-07 academic year, for incidents including groping and daubing obscene graffiti.

The Government has ordered 5,000 Taser stun guns at a cost of £4 million, said Taser International, which makes the weapons. Ministers have said that they will provide 10,000 stun guns to frontline officers in England and Wales, including non-firearm officers who have received special training.

Wednesday

The Government was accused of hatching a “covert plan to set up mini open jails in residential areas” after it emerged that private bail hostels were being set up without public consultation and with minimal local authority involvement. Nick Herbert, the Shadow Justice Secretary, criticised the Government for not providing sufficient prison capacity.

The ban on mobile phones in hospitals was lifted. The Department of Health admitted that the ban was based on mythical safety concerns and advised that patients, visitors and doctors should be able to use mobile phones in hospital as long as they carry no risk to equipment, do not compromise privacy or cause a nuisance.

A series of storybooks for primary schools, using digital pictures and action-packed storylines, has been created to encourage boys to read, amid increasing concern at boys' lack of interest in reading and their lack of motivation at school.

Thursday

Smaller private schools are facing a spate of takeovers as pupil numbers decline in the economic downturn. At least 25 independent schools are discreetly seeking buyers and more are expected to be put up for sale in the coming months.

The judiciary is losing out on some of the best talent in the legal profession because of negative perceptions of the work of a High Court judge. Research shows many highly qualified lawyers are put off applying because of the big cut in salary and “lonely” lifestyle.

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