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
Yesterday
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
Growing oracy focus could benefit maths teaching
Boosting pupils’ ability to explain their reasoning in maths could help evolve their understanding from the procedural to something much more foundational, says David Thomas
Faith schools: DfE to scrap 50% cap and allow special academies
Move to lift faith cap ‘unnecessary’ and ‘potentially retrograde’, heads’ union warns
Tuesday
30th Apr 2024
‘Useful’ old school building guidance poses funding questions
New guidance on managing older buildings in the school estate is welcome – but makes the difficulty of accessing funding even starker, say these trust leaders
Scottish school leaders’ view on the future of assessment
Bold decisions and trust in teachers are essential if exams reform is to succeed, say the general secretary and president of School Leaders Scotland
How to reform childcare to truly benefit teachers
Could these innovations being used in schools and nurseries help more working teacher-mothers stay in the profession?
Monday
29th Apr 2024
MAT leaders denounce ‘extraordinary’ axing of Now Teach
DfE decision to pull the plug on funding for the career-change programme is ‘myopic’ amid a spiralling recruitment and retention crisis, say trust leaders
‘Liberating’ teachers essential for Welsh reforms to succeed
Excitement for Wales’ new curriculum is starting to drain away – replaced by frustration among teachers that they can’t do what they had planned, says Gareth Evans
Friday
26th Apr 2024
Keeping Children Safe in Education: how things may change
A quietly announced call for evidence around school safeguarding guidance gives a sense of what future changes may occur, says Luke Ramsden
What is the future of school inspection in Scotland?
With Scotland’s school inspection system to be reviewed, Emma Seith speaks exclusively to interim chief inspector Janie McManus – in her first detailed interview – to find out whether big changes are ahead