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
Thursday
19th Sep 2024
Don’t fixate on Gen Z, look after millennial mother-teachers
If we want to increase teacher numbers, more focus should be given to retaining experienced teachers, especially women aged 30-39, says Emma Sheppard
How our trust improved its inclusion and SEND offer
A trust CEO who has overseen a raft of initiatives designed to improve support for pupils with SEND shares some insights on what they did and the impact it is having
Wednesday
18th Sep 2024
Reforms must go ‘far beyond’ Scottish education bill, MSPs told
Some of the most influential figures in Scottish education in recent times raise concerns that an opportunity for ‘bold and radical’ reform is being missed
Sendco NPQ funding shortfall another SEND policy mess
Margaret Mulholland laments the fact that despite promises of fully-funded training for the new Sendco qualification, a lack of cash means schools are scrambling for places
Tuesday
17th Sep 2024
Bill addresses restraint and seclusion in Scottish schools
Six key principles for reforming rules on restraint and seclusion in schools are being set out in the Scottish Parliament today
Trusts can be at the ‘vanguard’ of Labour’s Opportunity Mission
CST CEO Leora Cruddas explain why the trust sector stands ready to support Labour’s desire to bring a more coordinated approach to the support offered to children
How a student loan repayments policy could retain 2,100 teachers
An author of research into the impact of reimbursing trainee teachers for student loan repayments explains the key findings and what it could mean for future policy decisions
Friday
13th Sep 2024
Primary heads’ body opposes funding of week-long residentials for all
AHDS says £34m estimated in residential outdoor education bill should go instead to ASN, while education directors question whether proposals have been properly costed
Labour should push forward with toothbrushing lessons
As a new review reveals worrying insights on children’s oral hygiene, Anne Longfield says Labour must ignore ‘nanny state’ criticisms and use schools to fight back
Why the free school meals system is broken - and how to fix it
Under the current system, harsh eligibility requirements and complicated bureaucracy mean many children living in poverty miss out on a free lunch. Experts tell Ellen Peirson-Hagger what the government must do to change that
‘Irresponsible’ to delay SEND inspections in failing areas
As follow-up inspections are put on hold, a 91¶¶Òõ analysis sets out the range of problems in areas found to have widespread failings
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