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Education 1 day ago

The Invisible Pupils: How Poverty Shapes Educational Outcomes

Sustained poverty leaves a cumulative mark on children's educational attainment, effectively rendering England's most disadvantaged pupils invisible within the system. This analysis explores how economic disadvantage creates persistent barriers to learning and examines what local authorities can do to ensure every child is seen, supported and able to thrive.

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Ofsted claims grammar schools are inclusive despite selective intake
Schools Jun 11, 2026

Ofsted claims grammar schools are inclusive despite selective intake

Ofsted has reportedly suggested that grammar schools can be considered inclusive institutions, reigniting debate about selective education and accessibility. The comments raise questions about how inspection frameworks evaluate equity within England's partially selective school system.

Cosmeticorexia: Safeguarding Children from Harmful Social Media Beauty Trends
Safeguarding Jun 6, 2026

Cosmeticorexia: Safeguarding Children from Harmful Social Media Beauty Trends

Social media algorithms are driving an alarming trend among school-age girls towards excessive skincare routines and 'cosmeticorexia', with experts warning of lasting damage to both physical health and self-esteem. The booming children's beauty market raises urgent questions for safeguarding leads and education professionals about protecting young people from exploitation.

Bereaved pupils need sustained support, not just crisis intervention
Schools Jun 4, 2026

Bereaved pupils need sustained support, not just crisis intervention

Children who have experienced bereavement require consistent, long-term support within educational settings rather than episodic crisis interventions. This approach recognises that grief is a progressive journey that significantly impacts attendance, attainment and wellbeing. Without continuity of care, vulnerable pupils risk falling through gaps in provision and escalating to statutory services.

Alternative provision expanded despite quality concerns
Education Jun 4, 2026

Alternative provision expanded despite quality concerns

The government has widened its register of approved alternative provision unit providers even as inspections reveal significant quality concerns within the sector. This tension between increasing capacity and maintaining standards comes amid rising demand for placements outside mainstream education.

University's axing of black studies MA threatens inclusion agenda, warns leading academic
Inclusion Jun 4, 2026

University's axing of black studies MA threatens inclusion agenda, warns leading academic

A prominent US civil rights scholar has warned that Birmingham City University's decision to close its black studies MA programme echoes attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion seen in the United States. Kimberlé Crenshaw has urged the university to reverse its decision, expressing profound concern about the implications for educational diversity.

Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Spaces for Children
SEND May 27, 2026

Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Spaces for Children

Cheryl Warren explores how adapting physical and social environments helps neurodivergent children feel secure enough to express their authentic selves. By moving beyond compliance toward genuine acceptance, local authorities can transform how support is delivered across education and care settings.

Meta settles landmark US lawsuit over child social media addiction claims
Safeguarding May 21, 2026

Meta settles landmark US lawsuit over child social media addiction claims

Meta has agreed to settle a major lawsuit brought by a Kentucky school district over claims that its platforms are designed to be addictive and harmful to children. The settlement forms part of broader legal action involving approximately 1,200 US school districts suing major tech firms for allegedly fuelling a youth mental health crisis.

Revealed: Uneven Split of £1.6 Billion Inclusion Fund Sparks Equity Debate
SEND May 14, 2026

Revealed: Uneven Split of £1.6 Billion Inclusion Fund Sparks Equity Debate

New analysis exposes significant disparities in how £1.6 billion in inclusion funding is distributed across local authorities. The findings reveal that some councils receive substantially more per pupil than others, raising urgent questions about fairness in SEND provision and resource allocation.

Internal Exclusions May Not Reduce Suspension Rates, Research Finds
Schools May 13, 2026

Internal Exclusions May Not Reduce Suspension Rates, Research Finds

New analysis by the Education Policy Institute suggests internal exclusions may not be effective at reducing external suspensions in schools. The research found only tentative correlations between the use of internal isolation and fewer formal suspensions, challenging assumptions about behaviour management approaches.