With SEND so much in the news lately, it's no suprise that the DfE is providing funding for new resources in education, inlcuding a pilot with up to £1.7m available to help children with SEND achieve and thrive at their local school. ‘Lending libraries’ will be set up in up to 32 local authorities and … Continue reading Thousands of children with SEND to benefit from assistive tech
Author: Bruce Levitan
Insights from early adopters of artificial intelligence
Ofsted have recently published new research and analysis on artificial intelligence (AI) - ‘The biggest risk is doing nothing’: insights from early adopters of artificial intelligence in schools and further education colleges. You can read the report and their findings here on their website. Also, this page on Oftesed's website explains how they lookn at … Continue reading Insights from early adopters of artificial intelligence
Improving SEND services for children, young people and families across Derbyshire
The latest (June) update from Derbyshire on their actions to improve SEND is on their Local Offer website, here.
Local authority school places scorecards
The latest scorecards, which display a snapshot of the progress each local authority across England, are now available on the DfE website, here. The scorecards cover the following areas: Number of places that have been delivered between 2009/10 and 2023/24; Percentage of unfilled places in 2023/24; DfEs estimate of places still needed for 2026/27; DfE's … Continue reading Local authority school places scorecards
Updated DfE guidance on governance
The DfE have relased an update (25 June) to the Maintained schools governance guide 2025 which was initially released in October 2024. The June 25 update is summarised on their website here, and the full manual is available here. Similarly updated guidance for academies is available here, and the full manual here.
National Audit on Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
Baroness Casey's audit on group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) ('grooming gangs') was published on 16 June. The scale, nature and characteristics of group-based CSEA are discussed with descripition of the drivers of this type of offending, including the role of ethnicity and culture, plus the response to group-based CSEA at local and national … Continue reading National Audit on Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
Ofsted announces delay to consultation outcome
Ofsted had aimed to publish a response to its recent consulation during the summer term, but has now has announced that its response to the consultation on a new inspection model will be delayed until September 2025 due to the high number of responses received (over 6,500 responses from parents, education professionals and representative bodies). … Continue reading Ofsted announces delay to consultation outcome
Government announces new School Sport Partnerships and a new Enrichment Framework for schools
A Prime Minster's press release from 19 June announced that new School Sport Partnerships and a new Enrichment Framework for schools will be created to ensure all young people have equal access to high-quality sport and extracurricular activity. Girls are to be given the same opportunity as boys to play sport at school, as well … Continue reading Government announces new School Sport Partnerships and a new Enrichment Framework for schools
Use of drugs and alcohol by pupils contributing to violence and disruption in schools
A NASUWT surecy of nearly 4,000 teachers has found that students in secondary schools are using a range of drugs both in and out of school. These include cannabis, nitrous oxide and spice, as well as nicotine pouches and high-caffeine (energy) drinks and alcohol. They also report on use of gambling websites and apps. You … Continue reading Use of drugs and alcohol by pupils contributing to violence and disruption in schools
One in four free school meal eligible children in special schools are not taking up their entitlement
A report from Adapt-Ed, led by researchers at the University of Hertfordshire in partnership with University of Essex and the charity School Food Matters has found that one in four free school meal eligible children in special schools are not taking up their entitlement. The researchers highlighted several areas where school meals could be made … Continue reading One in four free school meal eligible children in special schools are not taking up their entitlement
How does the Spending Review affect education?
The BBC have produced a summary of the impacts of the recent government spending review, including how education is affected. You can find their summary here.
How DfE handles whistleblowing disclosures
The DfE published information on how they define and deal with whistleblowing on 10 June. Here is the link to their policy statement.
Goverment AI guidance
The DfE released support materials to help schools and colleges use AI (artificial intelligence) safely and effectively on 10 June. There are four modules for staff and one for leaders: Understanding AI in education;Interacting with generative AI in education;Safe use of generative AI in education;Use cases of generative AI in education; Using AI in education: … Continue reading Goverment AI guidance
School and college voice: December 2024
The School and college voice report from DfE, based on a survey between 10 December and 23 December 2024, has been published (29 May). A wide range of issues were surveyed, and you can read the full report on the DfE website, here. Some of the findings are: The top two most helpful actions for … Continue reading School and college voice: December 2024
Most safeguarding professionals support the end of physical punishment of children in England
In a recent NSPCC sponsored YouGov survey, most safeguarding professionals surveyed, including social workers (90%), healthcare professionals (77%), teachers (75%) and the police (51%), think the law in England should be changed to end the physical punishment of children. They are calling for this to be taken into account in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools … Continue reading Most safeguarding professionals support the end of physical punishment of children in England
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