This new report by Luke Sibieta from The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) seeks to inform the debate on school funding during the 2024 general election by analysing past trends and likely future pressures. Key findings inlcude: Spending on English schools fell by c. 9% in real terms between 2010 and 2019, but increased spending … Continue reading School spending in England: a guide to the debate during the 2024 general election
Impact of the cost-of-living crisis on schools
Megan Lucas and Jenna Julius from the National Foundation for Education Research (NFER) have written a new report on the impact of cost-of-living. The NFER website notes: Since 2021, unprecedented increases in energy costs, rapid increases in food costs and substantial increases in the cost of housing via higher rent/mortgage costs have driven a dramatic … Continue reading Impact of the cost-of-living crisis on schools
Keeping children safe in education 2024
The updated version of Keeping children safe in education is now available from the DfE (comes into effect in September). There aren't many changes, but you can read a summary by The Key of the new version. Links to both the full document and the summary are on our website on the Key Documents page.
Let’s Go Zero – Latest News and Updates
Derbyshire County Council's "Let's go zero" programme is akll Climate Action in your school. This update has links to various aspects of climate action including: Lets Go Zero Climate Action Countdown Plastic Free Schools - Trash Mob 2024 Eco Schools - Healthy Summer Toolkit Young Tree Champions Leadership Skills Foundation - Environment Leaders Zero Carbon … Continue reading Let’s Go Zero – Latest News and Updates
Why Schools Shouldn’t Share Security Information Online
This article by Derbyshire County Council's Education Data Hub explains why schools should not post information such as their Critical Incident Plans or IT Disaster Recovery Plans on their websites. You can read it here, and there are links to more details information about what you should publish online.
CIF funding – is the allocation fair?
The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) was put in place to help address significant condition needs to keep buildings safe and in good working order. This article in Schools Week suggests that the funding is allocated in favour of schools/trusts who can provide a bigger share of the cost themeselves, but DfE insists applicants ‘not prioritised’ … Continue reading CIF funding – is the allocation fair?
Political party manifestos and their impact on education
This article by The Key on their blog The Hoot gives an overview of what each political party is saying in their manifesto about education. The Hoot also has another article on the general election 2024: FAQs for schools and trusts. Note that you will need to be a member of The Key to access … Continue reading Political party manifestos and their impact on education
New Governor’s guide on Pupil Mental Health and Wellbeing
The NGA and Place2Be have published a new guide for Governors: Pupil mental health and wellbeing A guide for governing boards. It identifies eight principles for a whole school approach, and in eaqch case outlines what good governance should look like: Leadership and management Ethos and environment Curriculum Pupil voice Staff development, health and wellbeing … Continue reading New Governor’s guide on Pupil Mental Health and Wellbeing
Transforming children and young people’s mental health provision
The latest data release on transforming children and young people’s mental health provision from the DfE notes that only 44% of pupils have access to the Mental Health Support Team (MHST) programme, marking progress towards the target of 54% by March 2025. The data also shows that 74% of schools and colleges have applied for … Continue reading Transforming children and young people’s mental health provision
Data security incident trends
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has published a Data Security Incidents Dashboard where you can view various information on data security issues and breaches, including a screen that shows trends for the education sector. There has been a 55% increase in cyber security incidents reported in the education and childcare sector since 2022. The dashboard … Continue reading Data security incident trends
New RSHE guidance
The DfE has launched a consultation on its proposed new RSHE guidance: What it means for sex education lessons in schools. The guidance includes the following: Introducing age limits, to ensure children aren’t being taught about sensitive and complex subjects before they are ready to fully understand them. The concept of gender identity – the … Continue reading New RSHE guidance
Calls are growing for the Department for Education to ditch its “coasting” intervention powers
An article in Schools Week highlights the issue of schools being given ‘coasting’ warnings despite raising grades and fresh starts. It concentrates on Academy Trusts in the main, but the trend in LA maintained schools is also mentioned. Schools Week quotes Geoff Barton, the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders: “[this] … Continue reading Calls are growing for the Department for Education to ditch its “coasting” intervention powers
Oftsed ‘deep dives’ removed from ungraded inspections
At the National Association of Headteacher’s (NAHT) Annual conference on 4 May, Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, announced changes to ungraded inspections. ‘Deep dives’ during ungraded inspections to stop from September. Move will affect 40% of all school inspections. The changes are designed to reduce the burden on school leaders and allow more time … Continue reading Oftsed ‘deep dives’ removed from ungraded inspections
Understanding the use of unregistered alternative provision
The DfE has published the outcomes from its recent consulttation on understanding the use of unregistered alternative provision. Key findings of the report are: The use and role of unregistered alternative provision within the SEND and alternative provision system Unregistered alternative provision is used to address needs not met in school Unregistered alternative provision offers … Continue reading Understanding the use of unregistered alternative provision
Advice on spotting and handling phishing emails
Phishing is a form of social engineering attack aimed to trick the user into giving their credentials or identity information to an attacker. They are normally delivered in messages that look authentic, with corporate/official logos. This article on Derbyshire County Council's S4S website gives advice on how to spot and handle them.
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