Updated DfE guidance on governance

The DfE have relased an update (25 June) to the Maintained schools governance guide 2025 which was initially released in October 2024. The June 25 update is summarised on their website here, and the full manual is available here. Similarly updated guidance for academies is available here, and the full manual here.

Goverment AI guidance

The DfE released support materials to help schools and colleges use AI (artificial intelligence) safely and effectively on 10 June. There are four modules for staff and one for leaders: Understanding AI in education;Interacting with generative AI in education;Safe use of generative AI in education;Use cases of generative AI in education; Using AI in education: … Continue reading Goverment AI guidance

SEND: guidance for school governing boards

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

New anti-bullying guidance for Church of England schools published

The Church of England has published new anti-bullying guidance for use in its 4,700 Church schools. This is currently out for consultationn - closing date: 31 July 2024. The document, entitled ‘Guidance for preventing and tackling homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying’ is the first of a new suite of resources and will come into effect … Continue reading New anti-bullying guidance for Church of England schools published

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

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

New governance guides replace the Governance Handbook

The Department for Education (DfE) has published two new governance guides, to replace the Governance Handbook: Maintained Schools Governance Guide Academy Trust Governance Guide The new guides change the format and streamline things, but do not include any new requirements. So Boards/Trusts do not need to take any action other than to ensure they are aware … Continue reading New governance guides replace the Governance Handbook

Flexible working in schools

The DfE has issued an updated version of its non-statutory guidance for employers and staff who want to make arrangements for flexible working. This guidance is for: employers developing flexible working policies or processing flexible working requests, including headteachers governors chief executive officers local governing bodies trustees school employees requesting flexible working local authorities providing … Continue reading Flexible working in schools

Gender Questioning Children: Non-statutory guidance

The DfE has issued a consultation document on Gender Questioning Children. The Department for Education, working closely with the Government’s Equality Hub, has produce this guidance to provide clarity for schools and colleges, and reassurance for parents. Social TransitioningSchools are facing requests to take actions such as changing names, uniforms, or using different facilities to … Continue reading Gender Questioning Children: Non-statutory guidance