DfE
The latest news and analysis on the Department for Education and the secretary of state for education, including new policy, legislation and appointments
Friday
3rd May 2024
Failure to stop Ofsted damage is ‘reckless’, warns NAHT
NAHT leader will challenge the government over inspection at the union’s annual conference today, saying schools are being treated as a ‘sideline’
EYFS: Sure Start wasn’t perfect, but lessons can be learned
Despite new research highlighting the positive impact of Sure Start, there are reasons why the scheme shouldn’t simply be relaunched, says the chair of the Social Mobility Commission
Regional director system a ‘black box’ lacking visibility, says ex-minister
Robin Walker hits out at the current system after government refused Commons Education Select Committee calls for decision-makers to produce an annual report for Parliament
Exclusive
Wednesday
1st May 2024
DfE SEND reform testing plan ‘9 months behind schedule’
Some of the planned reforms were going down ‘like cold sick’, says Amanda Allard, director of the Council for Disabled Children
Ofqual: Sunak’s ABS plan means ‘unprecedented’ change
In response to the prime minister’s plan for a new Advanced British Standard qualification, exams regulator warns private schools would likely continue to run A levels
Faith schools: DfE to scrap 50% cap and allow special academies
Move to lift faith cap ‘unnecessary’ and ‘potentially retrograde’, heads’ union warns
Monday
29th Apr 2024
Draw up ‘bomb threat checklist’, all schools advised
Settings should also appoint a ‘security lead’, according to government guidance on how to respond to terrorism
Nearly 4 in 10 heads have raised cash for building repairs
NAHT survey also reveals that six in 10 school leaders are not satisfied with the condition of their school buildings
Friday
26th Apr 2024
DfE finds 9K more pupil places in shortfall schools
Net Capacity Assessment pilot found ‘discrepancies’ in school capacity numbers provided by local authorities and those found by government property assessors
Exclusive
Revealed: Where trust capacity funding goes
The DfE’s Trust Capacity Fund aims to encourage trusts to take on challenging schools. Tes analysis uncovers to what extent this is happening