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.
Adaptive Teaching Strategies
There are lots of teachers, schools and colleges searching for ‘adaptive teaching’ ideas and support. There are just as many misconceptions about what it is. This post from Ross Morrison McGill of @TeacherToolkit clarifies what it is, and what you are already doing. You can read it here.
National Year of Reading 2026
In 2026, the National Year of Reading is reconnecting reading with the things that already inspire us – from playlists and football matches to films, food and family time. It’s reading that fits how we live, not the other way around. Explore how you can join the movement at home, in your setting, or across … Continue reading National Year of Reading 2026
Supporting you and your year 6 pupils as SATs approach
Oak Academy have made available free English and maths units and lessons to help boost confidence and support pupils in the run-up to SATs. These focus on key areas of the assessments as well as targeted lessons for tricky areas. You can find them here.
Researching Sustainable School Leadership
This new report summarises findings from the Sustainable School Leadership project, a UK-wide study which explored the training, supply, retention and wider sustainability of senior school leadership across the UK. Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as part of its Education Research Programme, the project ran from late 2022 to early 2026. … Continue reading Researching Sustainable School Leadership
Relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education
From September 2026 all schools have to implement the updated guidance from the DfE on the Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum. This includes having an updated policy. There are various provisions at both primary and secondary level. For example there is stronger focus on physical and digital safety, the use of accurate anatomical … Continue reading Relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education
Every child achieving and thriving
The long-awaited education policy white paper was published on 23 February. Entitled Every child achieving and thriving, The Forward notes: This white paper is our plan to build a system that matches the ambition we have for our children, a system that works for the children neglected for too long, that stretches every child further, … Continue reading Every child achieving and thriving
RISE team evaluation published
The Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) team programme has been found to be positive, collaborative and beneficial according to the government’s interim evaluation report investigating the first cohort of schools identified as requiring targeted support. You can download the report here.
Martyn’s Law
All schools with 200 or more people (includes staff as well as pupils) must be prepared to meet the requirements of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn's Law. There is a 24 month implementation period, but schools should be thinking about their actions now. The Home Office's Terrorism (protection of premises) … Continue reading Martyn’s Law
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