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Policy 2 months ago

Councils ordered to improve tracking of 'phantom NEETs' as new risk tool launched

Councils have been ordered to improve how they track 'phantom NEETs'—young people who have dropped out of education, employment or training without appearing in official local authority records. The new directive includes six-month improvement plans and the introduction of a risk assessment tool to flag teenagers at risk of disengaging from education or training pathways.

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Birth to 5 Matters Revised: Key Changes Explained
Early Years Jul 2, 2026

Birth to 5 Matters Revised: Key Changes Explained

Nancy Stewart, leading the Birth to 5 Matters review, sets out the principal updates to this crucial early years guidance. The revised framework incorporates new evidence and addresses emerging priorities to support practitioners working with children from birth to age five.

How Intergenerational Care Training is Bringing Children and Care Home Residents Together
Early Years Jul 2, 2026

How Intergenerational Care Training is Bringing Children and Care Home Residents Together

Alex Gowland shares how completing a Level 3 Diploma in Intergenerational Care and Education provided the structured knowledge and confidence to develop meaningful practice connecting young children with care home residents. The qualification bridges early years education and adult social care, creating enriching experiences for both generations whilst building professional expertise.

Research Journeys: A Practical Guide for Early Years Practitioners
Education Jul 2, 2026

Research Journeys: A Practical Guide for Early Years Practitioners

This review examines a practical guide designed to help early childhood professionals plan and conduct small-scale research within their settings. Visiting professor Richard Willis explores how practitioners working with children from birth to age five can develop their research skills to enhance evidence-based practice.

Growing Young Minds: Picturebooks that Cultivate Environmental Awareness
Education Jul 2, 2026

Growing Young Minds: Picturebooks that Cultivate Environmental Awareness

This article explores how carefully selected picturebooks can help children from birth to age five develop an understanding of the natural world, growth and environmental stewardship. Meg Barclay highlights stories that sow the seeds of ecological awareness and support early literacy through themes of nature and change.

Government orders councils to tackle 'phantom NEETs' with new tracking tool
Policy Jul 1, 2026

Government orders councils to tackle 'phantom NEETs' with new tracking tool

The government has mandated councils to improve their tracking of 'phantom NEETs'—young people not in education, employment or training who currently escape official monitoring. A new risk assessment tool will flag teenagers at risk of dropping out, whilst local authorities face stringent six-month improvement plans to enhance their data collection and intervention strategies.

Schools face budget pressure as 6.6% teacher pay rise partially unfunded
Schools Jul 1, 2026

Schools face budget pressure as 6.6% teacher pay rise partially unfunded

The government has accepted recommendations to increase teacher salaries by 6.6% over two years, with a 3.5% rise from September followed by 3% in 2026. However, concerns have been raised that nearly a third of the additional cost must be met from existing school budgets, placing further strain on already tight finances.

Backlash grows over Exeter University plans to cut 150 humanities jobs
Policy Jul 1, 2026

Backlash grows over Exeter University plans to cut 150 humanities jobs

More than 21,000 people have signed a petition against proposed redundancies at the University of Exeter, which would disproportionately affect arts and social sciences departments. Leading cultural figures including Rowan Williams and Mark Kermode have joined the campaign amid concerns about the sector-wide decline of humanities provision in higher education.

Defence spending row threatens local road budgets, ministers warn
Policy Jul 1, 2026

Defence spending row threatens local road budgets, ministers warn

Senior Conservatives have demanded Andy Burnham oppose plans to fund defence investment through cuts to local infrastructure projects. The proposals have been described as a 'poisoned chalice' that could divert desperately needed capital from road schemes across the country.

Further education colleges receive £485m to align teacher pay with schools
Policy Jul 1, 2026

Further education colleges receive £485m to align teacher pay with schools

The government has pledged £485 million to help further education colleges match school teacher pay rises over a two-year period. While the funding opens the door for meaningful pay awards for FE staff, uncertainty remains regarding how the money will be distributed to individual institutions.

Schools face budget strain as 3.5% teacher pay rise announced
Schools Jul 1, 2026

Schools face budget strain as 3.5% teacher pay rise announced

The government has confirmed a 3.5% pay award for teachers in England, but councils and school leaders will need to find additional funds from already stretched budgets to deliver the increase. Teaching unions have warned that unfunded pay awards will force schools to make difficult choices between staff retention and educational provision.