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
12th May 2022
Schools Bill: Everything you need to know
The DfE has published plans to create new powers over academies, private schools and attendance. Here are the key announcements
Extra training cash won’t fix Covid mental health ‘catastrophe’
Further funding announced this week to train staff won’t solve the mental health issues schools face after the pandemic, heads’ leaders warn
Schools Bill: DfE wants councils to bid to academise schools
New Schools Bill would mean councils could apply to move some maintained schools into multi-academy trusts without governors’ consent
EHCP demand hits ‘record high’ in pandemic
More than one in five requests for education, health and care plans were rejected last year but close to half a million children and young people now have one
How to keep your autonomy when joining a MAT
The big fear when joining a MAT is that your school loses its autonomy, but it doesn’t have to be that way, argues Tom Campbell
£7m for more mental health lead training in schools
Funding will allow ‘up to 8,000’ more schools and colleges to train senior leaders in mental health approaches, says DfE
Wednesday
11th May 2022
SEND review: DfE apologises for accessible consultation delay
The Department for Education’s most senior official says sorry to people who have had to wait six weeks for accessible versions of its SEND plans
Half of MATs offered DfE attendance advice reject it
Exclusive: Figures obtained by 91¶¶Òõ show government’s ‘attendance adviser’ plan is ‘naive’, says heads’ leader
Why the next generation of MAT leaders wants to do things differently
Founding CEOs of MATs are moving on and a new generation, with a different set of skills, is being appointed, finds Zofia Niemtus. But what will it mean for pupils, parents and teachers?
Tuesday
10th May 2022
DfE urges schools to budget for ‘Parent Pledge’
Government said delivering the pledge to help pupils catch up will mean a ‘shift in approach’ for some schools
Attendance policies: what the government expects from schools
New guidance demonstrates the DfE’s desire for schools to have written attendance policies, with the promise of a legal requirement in the pipeline. Dan Worth explains what the government wants the policies to contain – and speaks to those with concerns about the proposals