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
Friday
17th Jan 2025
Should children spend more time in school?
Scottish pupils generally receive 950 learning hours in primary and 1,045 in secondary – but a survey finds a ‘range of views’ on these norms and a ‘prevalent theme’ that there are not enough hours
Ofsted needs full reform - or things will just get worse
School leaders fear changes to inspection aren’t going in the right direction – and it’s up to Ofsted to prove them wrong, says NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman
Why Labour-supporting trusts are not ‘flying pigs’
Trusts and Labour are not in opposition but the narrative of the moment has created a political divide where none exists, argues E-ACT CEO Tom CampbellÂ
Revealed: Ministers’ ‘staggering’ absence from SEND schools
SEND minister visited no special schools in the four months after the election – amid concern that specialist expertise is being overlooked
Exclusive
CST calls for changes to DfE bill over pay flexibility
The Confederation of School Trusts is ‘very concerned’ about the schools part of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill
Thursday
16th Jan 2025
Breakfast club guidance: all you need to know
From the food you can provide to how the new clubs need to work alongside wraparound care provision, here are the key insights on how the DfE expects breakfast clubs to operate
Providers get £41m to deliver combined ITT and ECF framework
91¶¶Òõ previously revealed the four providers that had been selected to deliver the rolled-together Initial Teaching Training and Early Career Framework
Wednesday
15th Jan 2025
Could class sizes make a return to the spotlight in Scotland?
First minister John Swinney has said that all children – not just those in advantaged communities – should benefit from ‘smaller class sizes’. But how serious is he?
Phillipson: ‘Floor but no ceiling’ on teacher pay
Education secretary Bridget Phillipson answers MPs’ questions on the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, SEND and more
The trust versus LA debate is a damaging distraction
Rather than arguing about school structures, we should be focusing on removing accountability levers that are preventing schools of all types from collaborating, argues Keziah Featherstone
Why the curriculum review must consider its international impact
Thousands of parents choose international schools delivering the English curriculum because of its quality and rigour – a reality that must not be overlooked, says Cobis CEO Colin Bell
Why rural schools’ catchment challenges are worse than you realise
Everyone knows rural schools have catchment issues – but do we really appreciate just how stark they are? Michael Tidd illuminates the issue