Policy
The latest news, analysis and advice on government policy and legislation. Find a breakdown of new documentation, case studies from leaders and comment from high-profile educators
Today
9th May 2024
DfE investigates why some schools are not inclusive
Minister highlights concern about reports of ‘outstanding’-rated schools not having any pupils with an education, health and care plan
Teacher numbers pledge in doubt after Swinney’s first FMQs
New first minister refuses to say definitively that he will stick to target of increasing teacher numbers by 3,500 as opponents attack his record as education secretary
The Salamanca Statement: will SEND support ever meet its goals?
Thirty years on from the Salamanca Statement, it’s clear policymaking is not working for pupils with SEND – but a future government could fix that, says Rob Webster
Yesterday
8th May 2024
The harmful effects of absence stretch beyond school
New research on the impact of absence on students’ post-school destinations offers insights into improving attendance in the wake of the pandemic
Teachers need a reservoir of skills - not just a repertoire
The teacher recruitment and retention crises show that the system requires far-reaching reform, argue two members of the Faculty of Education at the University of Cambridge
Tuesday
7th May 2024
Teacher workload: Delay class-contact time target, says report
The Scottish government should be wary of increasing teacher numbers quickly and aim for a promised 90-minute reduction in weekly class-contact time by 2028, report recommends
Oak National Academy: Matt Hood appointed CEO
Hood has been acting as interim CEO since 2022 and founded Ambition Institute before running the curriculum resources quango
Friday
3rd May 2024
Schools ready for remote learning ‘within days’ if necessary
New report looks at Scottish schools’ and local authorities’ ability to shift to remote learning if another major event causes schools buildings to close
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
Could online AP help more students back to the mainstream?
An online-only alternative provision provider has become one of the first schools to receive online education accreditation from Ofsted. Dan Worth examines how it works and whether online AP could be used more widely across the sector
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
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