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
Wednesday
20th May 2026
Ofsted will update toolkits to ‘clarify’ approach to disadvantage
Watchdog director insists that achievement grades from inspections are ‘fair’ – despite fears that schools with more disadvantaged pupils are being penalised
Exclusive
Why uneven school SEND provision is not sustainable
Schools with a reputation for inclusion are becoming overstretched because they are supporting a disproportionate number of pupils with SEND, writes the lead researcher for a new NFER study
Friday
15th May 2026
What’s changing in education in 2026-27: is your school ready?
The next academic year will bring major policy changes – here’s what school leaders can expect and when, from the introduction of new school uniform regulations to the deadline for publishing your inclusion strategy
Are schools as inclusive as Ofsted grades suggest?
Almost nine in 10 schools are making the grade in Ofsted’s inclusion checks – but is the system working?
Thursday
14th May 2026
What Scotland’s education directors need from the new government
A ‘moment of truth’ faces Scotland’s education system, says Sheena Devlin, who sets out the ADES’ view on what must change
Internal AP: best practice all schools need to know
New research looking at how almost 500 schools already deliver inclusion support has been published – here are the key insights for leaders
The White Horse Federation to take on 10 schools
Move comes as 11 more mergers are tabled for DfE approval, amid concern that small trusts are being ‘squeezed’ to merge with bigger ones
Wednesday
13th May 2026
‘Significant overhaul’ to KCSIE leaves schools with ‘unrealistic’ deadline
Safeguarding leaders tell 91¶¶Òõ the proposed changes to the official guidance are more extensive than in previous years and will demand more time for implementation
Exclusive
King’s Speech confirms plan for SEND reform
Legislation to overhaul special educational needs provision will be introduced in government’s Education for All Bill
Ignoring online education in SEND reforms is a major oversight
Future educators will wonder why the reforms in 2026 overlooked the clear benefits and uptake of online learning, argues Thomas Keaney