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Children's News Feed

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

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Schools 2 months ago

Urgent retrofitting needed as schools become 'heat traps' in hot weather

This article examines how outdated school infrastructure—including single glazing, restricted windows and glass atriums—struggles to cope with extreme heat, with some classrooms recording temperatures exceeding 40°C. The author argues that urgent retrofitting is essential to adapt school estates for a changing climate and prevent learning environments from becoming uninhabitable during heatwaves.

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Schools 2 months ago

Unequal Teacher Recruitment Leaves Disadvantaged Schools Behind

New analysis reveals a 'deeply unequal' teacher recruitment market where schools serving poorer cohorts struggle to attract experienced staff. The findings show disadvantaged institutions are recruiting fewer 'strong' teachers compared to their affluent counterparts, threatening to widen the attainment gap.

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French teachers strike over 'unacceptable' heat in schools as exams proceed in 40C temperatures
Schools Jun 25, 2026

French teachers strike over 'unacceptable' heat in schools as exams proceed in 40C temperatures

Teaching unions in France have urged staff to strike over unsafe working conditions as classrooms reach 40C during a severe heatwave, putting the health of both staff and students at risk. The action highlights concerns over outdated school buildings ill-equipped for extreme temperatures, with national exams continuing despite what unions call a 'blatant lack of preparation'.

DfE Urges FE Colleges to Partner with Specialist SEND Providers
SEND Jun 25, 2026

DfE Urges FE Colleges to Partner with Specialist SEND Providers

The Department for Education is calling on further education colleges to collaborate with specialist providers to ensure SEND funding is spent effectively. The guidance recognises the unique expertise of specialist colleges in supporting young people with complex needs as they transition into post-16 education.

Record high as over 718,000 children hold EHCPs across England
SEND Jun 25, 2026

Record high as over 718,000 children hold EHCPs across England

New figures reveal a record 718,838 children and young people held Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in January this year, marking a significant milestone since their introduction. The unprecedented increase highlights growing demand for SEND support and the mounting pressure on local authorities to deliver timely assessments.

New Guidance Published on Inclusion Bases Under SEND Reforms
SEND Jun 25, 2026

New Guidance Published on Inclusion Bases Under SEND Reforms

The Department for Education has released long-awaited guidance outlining how inclusion bases will operate within the forthcoming SEND reforms. Schools will need to understand the new requirements for these specialist provisions designed to support pupils who struggle in mainstream classrooms but do not require full-time specialist placement.

DfE issues guidance to help nurseries prepare for SEND reforms
SEND Jun 25, 2026

DfE issues guidance to help nurseries prepare for SEND reforms

The Department for Education has published new guidance for early years providers on adapting their settings to better include children with special educational needs and disabilities. The guidance comes ahead of significant reforms to the SEND system, aiming to ensure nurseries are equipped to support all children effectively.

Record High: EHCP Numbers Reach Unprecedented Levels
SEND Jun 25, 2026

Record High: EHCP Numbers Reach Unprecedented Levels

The number of children receiving special educational needs support has reached a record high, with education, health and care plans (EHCPs) seeing their highest yearly increase since they were first introduced.

Education Secretary Vows to Wear 'Spiteful Class Warrior' Taunt with Pride
Policy Jun 25, 2026

Education Secretary Vows to Wear 'Spiteful Class Warrior' Taunt with Pride

During heated Prime Minister's Questions, Bridget Phillipson brushed off criticism from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch regarding education policy, declaring she would emblazon the insult on a T-shirt. The exchange highlights the increasingly polarised debate around schooling and social mobility at Westminster.

New Data Reveals Which University Degrees Deliver Highest Lifetime Returns
Skills & Employment Jun 25, 2026

New Data Reveals Which University Degrees Deliver Highest Lifetime Returns

Recent analysis sheds light on the significant variation in lifetime earnings across different university degree subjects. These findings offer valuable insights for young people considering their post-18 options and for local authorities advising on career pathways and skills development.

Early Years EHCPs Increase at Non-School Settings, DfE Data Reveals
SEND Jun 25, 2026

Early Years EHCPs Increase at Non-School Settings, DfE Data Reveals

Department for Education data reveals a significant increase in the proportion of early years children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) attending non-school based nurseries. The figures indicate an almost 10 per cent rise in just one year, highlighting shifting patterns in SEND provision for children under five.

Quarter of UK graduates financially worse off from university degrees, IFS finds
Skills & Employment Jun 24, 2026

Quarter of UK graduates financially worse off from university degrees, IFS finds

New research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies suggests that approximately 25% of UK graduates may face negative financial returns from their university education, particularly those studying creative and performing arts subjects. While most graduates can expect to earn £100,000 more over their lifetimes, student loans and taxes mean a significant minority would have been better off financially without attending university.