DfE
The latest news and analysis on the Department for Education and the secretary of state for education, including new policy, legislation and appointments
Thursday
27th Mar 2025
SEND: 10,000 new places in mainstream and special schools
DfE warns that special schools are 8,000 students over capacity and highlights that fewer than one in 10 mainstream schools have specialist provision
Unfilled primary places at highest level since records began
There were 611,000 unfilled primary places in 2023-24, DfE data shows
Ofsted backs heads who ban phones, says Oliver
Chief inspector tells parents that schools have the power to ban phones ‘and should ban them’
The insurance update schools need to know about
The DfE’s risk protection arrangement scheme provides coverage for injuries at work, legal liabilities and damage to property. A lawyer explains a revision to the scheme that schools should be aware of
Schools need more targeted funding to improve attendance
Research report highlights need for more pastoral and mental health support to improve attendance
Wednesday
26th Mar 2025
MATs told to seek DfE approval for ‘contentious transactions’
New guidance sets out what transactions may be considered ‘novel, contentious and repercussive’ amid a row over one academy trust’s plan for an alternative pension scheme
Classes ‘shivering’ in winter and ‘overheated’ in summer
Headteachers’ leaders call on the chancellor to use her spring statement to address a £3.6bn shortfall in funding for school buildings
Monday
24th Mar 2025
Legal action for teachers over pension valuation delay
Law firm launches action on behalf of NASUWT members, warning that some teachers have been left waiting for months for pension valuations
Government pushes back on free school meals cuts claims
Chancellor Rachel Reeves says she does not ‘recognise’ reports claiming that ministers are considering ending universal infant free school meals
Friday
21st Mar 2025
Number of GCSE students taking 3 non-EBacc subjects halves
But new research exploring the take-up of GCSE subjects in recent years suggests the ‘EBacc era’ could be coming to an end
Why some schools will be hit harder by planned QTS change
With the government planning a requirement for all teachers to have qualified teacher status, research shows that staff without QTS are not distributed evenly across the sector