Category: News

Non-specialist mental health support for young people in England

~ Bruce Levitan

This new report published by the Education Policy Institute, commissioned by The Prudence Trust and in partnership with Youth Access, finds significant gaps in early mental health support for young people across England – and a rise in the number of young people reaching a crisis point. The report finds that: There is substantial variation … Continue reading Non-specialist mental health support for young people in England

Ofsted: the response to the Big Listen

~ Bruce Levitan

Ofsted have concluded their "Big Listen" consultation, and on 3rd September they published their response - this covers children’s social care, special education needs and disabilities and alternative provision, early years, schools, further education and skills, teacher professional development and education. For schools, the changes they have announced are as follows: remove the overall effectiveness … Continue reading Ofsted: the response to the Big Listen

Infant school hit by cyber attack

~ Bruce Levitan

We are all aware that onine security is a major convern, and that cyber threats are always out there. A recent cyber attack at an Essex infant school, reported here by the BBC, highlights the issue, demonstrating that it is very real, and that all schools need to have appropriate security in place.

Teaching pupils empathy measurably improves their creative abilities, study finds

~ Bruce Levitan

New research led by Bill Nicholl and Ian Hosking at the University of Cambridge suggests that teaching children in a way that encourages them to empathise with others measurably improves their creativity, and could potentially lead to several other beneficial learning outcomes. The findings are from a year-long University of Cambridge study with Design and … Continue reading Teaching pupils empathy measurably improves their creative abilities, study finds

Educational outcomes for SEND pupils have failed to improve over the last decade

~ Bruce Levitan

A new report by Isos Partnership commissioned by the County Councils Network and the Local Government Association was released on 25 July. The study concludes that the current system is not working for families, schools and councils alike. The report is called Towards an effective and financially sustainable approach to SEND in England, and highhlights … Continue reading Educational outcomes for SEND pupils have failed to improve over the last decade

Ministerial taskforce launched to kickstart work on child poverty strategy

~ Bruce Levitan

The Prime Minister has appointed the Work & Pensions Secretary and the Education Secretary as the joint leads of a new ministerial taskforce to begin work on the Child Poverty Strategy. A new Child Poverty Unit in the Cabinet Office - bringing together expert officials from across government as well as external experts - will … Continue reading Ministerial taskforce launched to kickstart work on child poverty strategy

The King’s Speech 2024: What does it mean for education?

~ Bruce Levitan

The new Labour government have announced a series of new bills and initiatives - this post on the DfE website summarises what's there for education, which includes: Children’s Wellbeing Bill: Making sure there are free breakfast clubs in every primary school; Limiting the number of branded uniform items that a school can require, to bring … Continue reading The King’s Speech 2024: What does it mean for education?