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Children's News Feed

Automatically curated from DfE announcements, education news, and sector updates.

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Policy 2 months ago

Developing Countries Spend More on Foreign Debt Than Education, UNESCO Finds

UNESCO research reveals that 113 developing countries spent more servicing foreign debt than on education in 2025, with sub-Saharan African nations dedicating 3.6 times more funding to loan repayments than schools. The report highlights a concerning trend as global aid to education faces predicted cuts of up to 30%, leaving millions of children without adequate investment in their learning.

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Schools 2 months ago

School Suspensions Fall in England for First Time Since Pandemic

Recent data indicates a welcome decline in school suspensions across England for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, suggesting that intensive support for pupils is beginning to reverse post-lockdown behavioural challenges. Ministers recognise the "pernicious legacy" of disrupted education whilst praising teachers for helping vulnerable children turn a corner and re-engage with learning.

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DfE launches match-funding scheme for Best Start Family Hubs
Policy Jul 9, 2026

DfE launches match-funding scheme for Best Start Family Hubs

The Department for Education has unveiled a new initiative inviting businesses, charities and social investors to match local authority funding for Best Start Family Hubs. The scheme aims to bolster early help provision by leveraging philanthropic investment alongside public money.

Ofsted Early Years Inspections Rise by Over 40% in Six-Month Period
Education Jul 9, 2026

Ofsted Early Years Inspections Rise by Over 40% in Six-Month Period

Ofsted has significantly increased its regulatory oversight of early years settings, conducting 7,270 inspection events between September 2025 and March 2026. This marks a substantial rise of more than 40 per cent compared to the 5,110 events recorded during the same period the previous year.

Early Years Workforce Under 'Significant' Pressure Despite Positive Ofsted Data
Policy Jul 9, 2026

Early Years Workforce Under 'Significant' Pressure Despite Positive Ofsted Data

While the latest Ofsted data reveals fewer childminders are leaving the sector and those operating are achieving good inspection grades, Coram PACEY's chief executive Ka Lai Brightley-Hodges warns that positive headlines mask deep systemic strains. She argues that reliance on goodwill and dedication alone cannot sustain the early years profession amid mounting pressures.

Three Arrested in £1m Fraud Investigation at University of Greater Manchester
Higher Education Jul 8, 2026

Three Arrested in £1m Fraud Investigation at University of Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester Police have arrested three individuals amid allegations of fraud, bribery and money laundering totalling more than £1 million at the University of Greater Manchester. Detectives are examining evidence relating to 60 transactions and over one million emails as part of the ongoing investigation with the Crown Prosecution Service’s serious economic crime unit.

Unsafe baby products remain on sale via Amazon and TikTok, Which? finds
Safeguarding Jul 8, 2026

Unsafe baby products remain on sale via Amazon and TikTok, Which? finds

An investigation by Which? has uncovered dozens of unsafe baby products, including pillows, sleeping bags and feeders subject to safety notices, still available for purchase on major online marketplaces such as Amazon and TikTok. The findings highlight significant gaps in consumer protection and raise urgent questions about the responsibility of digital platforms to safeguard vulnerable infants from potentially lethal items.

Education Secretary calls for universal 30-hour early years entitlement
Policy Jul 8, 2026

Education Secretary calls for universal 30-hour early years entitlement

Bridget Phillipson has announced her intention to extend the 30 hours of funded early education to include low-income families currently excluded from the scheme. The proposal aims to remove eligibility barriers and ensure universal access to crucial early years provision.

Childminder shortage threatens expansion of 30-hour childcare offer
Policy Jul 8, 2026

Childminder shortage threatens expansion of 30-hour childcare offer

The Education Secretary's proposal to extend the 30-hour childcare entitlement to families on benefits faces a significant hurdle, as industry leaders warn of a critical shortage of childminders. Tina Maltman, chief executive of Childminding UK, cautions that boosting provision must precede policy expansion to ensure sufficient childcare spaces are available.