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
2nd Jan 2025
Rise in pupils needing severe mental health crisis support
Increase comes after the previous government’s rollout of mental health professionals to schools was criticised for being too slow
Could online AP help more students back to the mainstream?
An online-only alternative provision provider has become one of the first schools to receive online education accreditation from Ofsted. Dan Worth examines how it works and whether online AP could be used more widely across the sector
Monday
30th Dec 2024
New Year Honours: Nick Gibb among education leaders recognised
Former schools minister Nick Gibb has been knighted and ex-union leader Geoff Barton appointed CBE in New Year Honours list
‘Consortia arrangements’ between Scottish schools increase
More students are having to access lessons in other schools as part of consortia arrangements to ensure that they can take their preferred subjects
Could a ‘Tinder for trusts’ help match MATs and schools?
Currently, there are no easy mechanisms to find trusts looking for another partner – but a new, dating app-like system could transform the process, says this headteacher
Friday
20th Dec 2024
What freedoms will academies lose under the new schools bill?
The planned legislation is set to result in significant changes to academy powers. Jasmine Norden and Ellen Peirson-Hagger outline which freedoms academies will lose and retain
Teachers and students sought to shape Scotland’s new qualifications body
With Qualifications Scotland due to replace the SQA in late 2025, ‘partnership panels’ aim to give teachers and students a bigger say over the new body’s priorities
Starmer: SEND reform will be done ‘as urgently as possible’
Prime minister is warned that councils’ SEND spending deficits could result in ‘an avalanche’ of local authorities declaring effective bankruptcy