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
8th Mar 2023
Wanted: ‘Like-minded teachers’ to challenge the DfE
DfE seeks new members for its Teacher Reference Group, particularly those working in ‘challenging contexts’
Digital EHCPs could reduce SEND bureaucracy - but training a big issue
The digital EHCPs promised in the government’s SEND reform will be a welcome step forward if the execution is effectively managed and the outcome reduces bureaucratic processes, writes Deborah Hollingsworth
10 questions with... Sir Hamid Patel
The CEO of Star Academies talks to 91¶¶Òõ about his time in education, the teachers who inspired him, the power of MATs and why AI will transform education in the years ahead
DfE warned over measuring disadvantage gap
The rollout of universal credit makes it harder to assess the size of the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers, researchers warn
Friday
3rd Mar 2023
Why wait until 2025 to tackle the SEND postcode lottery?
A special school MAT leader explains why proposals in the SEND plan need to be enacted far sooner – and backed by a financially sustainable system
‘Disappointment’ as Keegan snubs union conference
First education secretary in 16 years to turn down speaking at ASCL event as she ‘hopes to be in pay talks’ with striking NEU leaders
SEND plan ‘is an admission of defeat’
The government’s new SEND plan is unlikely to lead to meaningful change any time soon – which is a disaster for an area of education desperately in need of reform, explains Sam Freedman
Why the SEND NPQ plan could dilute Sendco quality
The government’s plan to create a SEND NPQ sounds good on paper – but it could inadvertently diminish in-depth knowledge in the sector, warns the Nasen CEO
Are school trips abroad still worth it?
The number of school trips overseas has fallen amid rising costs and concerns about the environment and equal access, with some parts of Scotland ruling them out for now. So, is the school trip abroad an experience worth saving?