Author: Bruce Levitan

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

Disadvantage gap: 9 things DfE told MPs

~ Bruce Levitan

Here is a useful article from TES that summarises what happened when the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) quizzed Department for Education officials on its strategy to close the disadvantage gap, as well as on how it allocates funding and ensures money is well spent. Read the article here.

Families to receive £126 million in early years support

~ Bruce Levitan

The recent government press release regarding additional early years support funding shows that Derbyshire is NOT included in the grants, though Derby is. There are many areas of deprivation in Derbyshire as governors are no doubt aware, so perhaps you will challenge this and campaign to have Derbyshire included, e.g. by contacting your MP. ​https://www.gov.uk/government/news/families-to-receive-126-million-in-early-years-support

Legislation breaks down barriers to opportunity for all children

~ Bruce Levitan

The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill was introduced to Parliament on 17 December 2024, The Bill sets out seven key ambitions: Making a child-centred government Keeping families together and children safe Supporting children in the care system to thrive Cracking down on excessive profit making Driving high and rising standards for every child Removing barriers … Continue reading Legislation breaks down barriers to opportunity for all children

Ofsted annual report: education and social care serving most children well, but system pressures bite for most disadvantaged

~ Bruce Levitan

Ofsted find that most children are well-served by the education sector and, in social care, life-changing work is being done for children and young people every day. However: Many reasons to be positive about future of education and children’s social care, but huge challenges remain. Education and care providers struggling to recruit and retain skilled … Continue reading Ofsted annual report: education and social care serving most children well, but system pressures bite for most disadvantaged

‘Mission-led’ government must centre vulnerable children

~ Bruce Levitan

This press release from The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel calls on the government to ensure that children at risk of being harmed, both inside and outside their families, are at the heart of its strategies to break down barriers to opportunity. This comes as the Panel’s latest annual report reveals that 485 children were … Continue reading ‘Mission-led’ government must centre vulnerable children

New specialist places to be created in mainstream schools

~ Bruce Levitan

The Department for Education (DfE) has announced a £740 million cash injection from the Government to pave the way for more pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to achieve and thrive in mainstream schools. This new funding can be used to adapt classrooms to be more accessible for children with SEND, and to … Continue reading New specialist places to be created in mainstream schools

Government’s Plan for Change programme – Break Down Barriers to Opportunity

~ Bruce Levitan

Labour has announced it's Break Down Barriers to Opportunity milestone: Giving children the best start in life. In a bid to improve Early Years, they have promised to: Roll out government-funded childcare support to improve access; Work in partnership with the sector, reforming training and support for the workforce to drive up standards; Strengthen and … Continue reading Government’s Plan for Change programme – Break Down Barriers to Opportunity