Wednesday
Schools ‘bridging funding gap’ to provide free school meals
Caterers are being forced to cut portions and reduce their menus because of the shortfall in free school meals funding, research shows
What primaries in poor communities need from Labour
The government has pledged to break the link between a child’s background and their future success, but what do headteachers in England’s poorest communities need to help make this a reality? We speak to several to find out
DfE ‘lacks coherent plan’ to boost teacher recruitment
It is not clear how the government intends to fulfil its promise to recruit 6,500 more teachers, an MPs’ committee warns
Tuesday
Will digital exams spell the end of handwriting in schools?
Handwriting has ‘important advantages’ and must not be undermined by the rollout of digital exams, former education secretary tells MPs
DfE launches ‘phonics-inspired’ primary writing framework
The new framework is set to be revised if DfE changes the national curriculum following the current review
Primaries could get intensive DfE support for Reception
The government is planning to provide three different levels of support for pupils in Reception through its RISE teams and English and maths hubs
Sats results 2025: Slight increases across the board
The KS2 Sats results in all subjects were better than last year and narrowed the gap to pre-pandemic results
Why ‘Best Start’ is a fresh start in tackling disadvantage
The government’s updated Sure Start approach should be embraced by schools as the right way to address educational inequality, argues Jonny Uttley
Monday
Ministers refuse to rule out cutting EHCPs
Pressure on the government over SEND reforms mounts as campaigners warn that pupils will not survive in mainstream education without statutory support
KCSIE 2025: What has changed
The DfE has published updated Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance for 2025 – here’s what schools need to know
Why government should pause the schools bill
If Labour really wants excellence for every child, it would do well to rethink this much-criticised piece of legislation, says the director of the New Schools Network
Nursery teachers in disadvantaged communities to be offered £4,500
The DfE has also announced new funding for partnerships between schools and nurseries to strengthen transitions
