The DfE have published Delivering the children’s social care reset, provides the government’s implementation plan for reforming children’s social care in England. It follows the keeping children safe, helping families thrive policy paper. The plan outlines how local partners can: deliver improved early help strengthen support for family networks ensure stable, registered and high‑quality placements … Continue reading Delivering the children’s social care reset: an implementation plan for local partners
Author: Bruce Levitan
Key changes introduced in Working together to safeguard children 2026
This Department for Education (DfE) Statutory guidance on multi-agency working to help, support and protect children. sets out what organisations and agencies who have functions relating to children must and should do to help, protect and promote the welfare of all children and young people under the age of 18, including unborn children, in England. … Continue reading Key changes introduced in Working together to safeguard children 2026
Working lives of teachers and leaders: wave 4
The DfE's fourth report on teacher wellbeing finds that some things are improving, e.g. flexible working and lower working hours, and compared with previous years, there was an increase in the proportion of teachers and leaders who agreed that their workload was acceptable. Although the last point is good, it should be noted that almost … Continue reading Working lives of teachers and leaders: wave 4
Fair School Admissions Hub
The Sutton Trust has been looking at the issue of school admissions for almost 20 years. They have repeatedly found evidence that England’s top comprehensive schools are, in practice, often highly socially selective. That needs to change. Find out more about their research in this area, why this issue matters, and what they're doing to … Continue reading Fair School Admissions Hub
Foundation for Education Development (FED) survey
The FED is dedicated to the belief that long-term strategic education planning is vital to the success of countries and their people. Over the past six years, they have consulted with thousands of stakeholders across the education system. You can take part in their survey here.
The Pearson School & College Report 2026
The fifth annual Pearson School & College Report: Foundations for the future. It brings together thousands of voices from across education to build a clear, independent picture of what learning looks like in the UK today. The report is available on their website, here.
High-attaining maths pupils make more progress when grouped by attainment
Research by the Education Endowment Foundation and UCL finds that secondary school pupils with high prior attainment in maths (who have previously received high marks in the subject) make slower progress in mixed-attainment maths classes. The EEF recommends that maths teachers in mixed-attainment classes work to stretch high-attaining pupils, and that schools with sets in … Continue reading High-attaining maths pupils make more progress when grouped by attainment
NAHT survey finds half of school leaders have areas out of use or unfit for purpose
A poll has revealed school buildings blighted by leaking roofs and windows, damp, mould, asbestos, ageing boilers and fire doors, and even MDF holding up walls. The findings were highlighted in a survey by school leaders’ union NAHT ahead of its annual conference in Belfast. It found 51% of its members taking part in England … Continue reading NAHT survey finds half of school leaders have areas out of use or unfit for purpose
Responding to changing demand for school places
This new report from the National Audit Office examines DfE’s approach to supporting the school system in England respond to falling pupil numbers, seen in primary schools since 2018/19. Nationally, demand for primary school places fell by 3% between 2018/19 and 2024/25, with DfE projecting a further 7% fall from 2025 to 2030. The proportion … Continue reading Responding to changing demand for school places
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 is now law. It gives the government the power to introduce new requirements. Schools doen’t need to make any changes immediately – some of the guidance is still being consulted on or finalised, and we’re awaiting secondary legislation. Some of the key changes to come include: Allergy safety … Continue reading The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026
Learning Together for Mental Health programme
Learning Together for Mental Health (LTMH) is a whole-school, multicomponent intervention that aims to improve academic outcomes, mental health, feelings of belonging and engagement for students, as well as to reduce bullying and foster a positive school climate. Place2Be, the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) and leading researchers at Ipsos, Anna Freud, UCL, and London School … Continue reading Learning Together for Mental Health programme
Parent Voice Project
The Parent Voice Project explores how parents experience the education system in England today. Through large-scale polling, focus groups and ongoing engagement, the project brings together clear, balanced evidence on what parents think, what they value, and where they see challenges. Find out more on their website, here.
Experts at Hand & Local Authority SEND Transformation Fund
The Department for Education has announced the funding for local authorities 2026 to 2027 for the new Experts at Hand & Local Authority SEND Transformation Fund. You can find details on their website, here.
Getting children ready for reception
‘Getting children ready for reception’ offers guidance from the Department for Education on how to support early, joined-up, inclusive transition practice. It includes case studies, with practical examples from both schools and early years settings. You can download it here.
School Food Standards: updating the legislative framework
The Department for Education is seeking views on updating the School Food Standards, so that every school is supported with the latest nutrition guidance. This consultation closes at 11:59pm on 12 June 2026. To take part, follow this link.
dsga.org.uk 