Author: Bruce Levitan

Raising the Nation Play Commission ‘State of Play’ report

~ Bruce Levitan

Raising the Nation Play Commission, a year-long independent inquiry into why play is critical to the wellbeing of children in England, published its Interim Report, ‘State of Play’ on February 24th. It reveals the growing barriers to play in England, including playground closures, concerns about traffic and safety, cuts to park budgets and play facilities, … Continue reading Raising the Nation Play Commission ‘State of Play’ report

SEND in crisis campaign

~ Bruce Levitan

The f40 group of local authorities, of which Derbyshire is one, have started a campaign for: A SEND funding strategy, linked to the SEND and AP Improvement Plan, focusing on early intervention and inclusion. Additional SEND revenue funding – f40 has calculated that £4.6bn more is required per year. Substantial one-off capital funding to expand … Continue reading SEND in crisis campaign

Supporting children aged 16 and 17 who need help when they are homeless

~ Bruce Levitan

A new report from Ofsted highlihtes that although in 2022–23, a report by the Children’s Commissioner revealed that approximately 6,500 16- and 17-year-olds reported being homeless, the true scale of homelessness for 16- and 17-year-olds is a ‘hidden issue’. Many children are living in unstable environments, such as staying with a friend, and may not … Continue reading Supporting children aged 16 and 17 who need help when they are homeless

Online safety

~ Bruce Levitan

Two recent surveys highlight manyn of the safety issues around children using the Internet. A BBC Teach survey, underatken by Censuswide found that more than three-quarters (80%) of primary school teachers are aware of at least one safeguarding incident linked to online safety in the past 12 months. Meanwhile, a third (36%) of teachers reported … Continue reading Online safety

Identifying SEND

~ Bruce Levitan

A new report by the Education Policy Institute, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, highlights the inequalities and the blind spots that exist in SEND support across schools in England. The report identifies the structural challenges within the system where factors such as the fragmentation of the school system, prolonged school absences, language barriers and living … Continue reading Identifying SEND

Derbyshire Derbyshire SEND Partnership Priority Impact Plan

~ Bruce Levitan

In the wake of the recent Oftsed report in Derbyshire Council's SEND provision, the LA has published its impact plan. In the plan's introduction they note: "The Partnership has apologised for these failings and is committed to addressing all the areas identified in the inspection report through this Impact Plan. The Impact Plan establishes the … Continue reading Derbyshire Derbyshire SEND Partnership Priority Impact Plan

School accountability reform

~ Bruce Levitan ~ 1 Comment

In tandem with Ofsted's new consultation on inspection, the DfE has launched a consultation on school accountability principles, school profiles and a stronger approach to school improvement. It runs from 3 February to 28 April 2025. You can respond to it on the DfE website, here.

UK Poverty 2025

~ Bruce Levitan

A new report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation sets out the nature of poverty in the UK in the run-up to 2024's General Election. It also sets out the scale of action necessary for the Government to deliver the change it has promised. Using their cost of living tracker, the unacceptably high levels of poverty … Continue reading UK Poverty 2025

SEND: guidance for school governing boards

~ Bruce Levitan

The DfE have updated their guidance on SEND for Governing Bodies. They state that the purpose of this guidance is intended to: support school governing boards’ understanding of their role and responsibilities in relation to children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities; empower governors and trustees to hold their schools to … Continue reading SEND: guidance for school governing boards

Reforming Accountability – new report from the Education Policy Institute

~ Bruce Levitan

This newly published report from the Education Policy Institute looks at school accountability, over 30 years since the introduction of school performance tables for schools England. Key findings include: The current system was set up for a different era; Parents and carers are using accountability measures, but not necessarily getting the whole picture; Judging the … Continue reading Reforming Accountability – new report from the Education Policy Institute

Education Committee question Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson

~ Bruce Levitan

Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education and permanent secretary Susan Acland-Hood appeared before the Education Committee on 15th January. You can watch a video of the meeting here. Amongst other things, they spoke about: National funding formula under review; Academy changes will introduce a pay ‘floor, but no ceiling’; ‘Improving Education Together’ partnership aimed … Continue reading Education Committee question Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson