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

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Schools 2 months ago

Schools and Academies Show: Live Coverage from London

Stay informed with real-time updates from the UK's premier education event as sector leaders gather at the Excel centre. Schools Week reports live on policy announcements, school standards, and the future of academy governance affecting local authorities.

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Early Years Funding Should Prioritise Child Need Over Parental Employment, Study Finds
SEND May 6, 2026

Early Years Funding Should Prioritise Child Need Over Parental Employment, Study Finds

A two-year research programme by the London Early Years Foundation reveals significant benefits for children with additional needs when early years funding targets developmental requirements rather than parental work status. The findings challenge current policy approaches and call for a fundamental shift in how England's childcare system is financed and delivered.

GCSE maths and science exam aids to continue indefinitely
Policy May 5, 2026

GCSE maths and science exam aids to continue indefinitely

More than 90 per cent of consultation respondents backed plans to retain formulae and equations sheets for GCSE mathematics and science examinations, ensuring pupils continue receiving this support during assessments.

One in Five Scottish Nurseries Predict Losses as Funding Rates Fail to Cover Costs
Policy May 5, 2026

One in Five Scottish Nurseries Predict Losses as Funding Rates Fail to Cover Costs

New research reveals over 20% of nurseries in Scotland anticipate running at a loss this year, with providers warning that government funding rates do not meet the actual costs of delivering childcare places. The findings raise serious questions about the sustainability of early years provision and the financial pressures facing childcare businesses across the country.

Early Years Pupil Premium: Awareness High but Barriers Remain
Policy May 1, 2026

Early Years Pupil Premium: Awareness High but Barriers Remain

New research into the Early Years Pupil Premium reveals that whilst awareness and take-up of the funding are high, practical barriers continue to prevent some eligible families from accessing this vital support. Julian Grenier explores the findings and what they mean for closing the attainment gap in the early years.

Early Years Pupil Premium: Progress on Awareness but Barriers to Access Remain
Policy May 1, 2026

Early Years Pupil Premium: Progress on Awareness but Barriers to Access Remain

New research reveals that whilst awareness of the Early Years Pupil Premium has reached high levels amongst providers, persistent practical barriers continue to hinder access to this vital funding. Julian Grenier examines the challenges facing early years settings in their efforts to close the attainment gap for disadvantaged children.

Ofsted reforms: How the new school inspection ratings system works
Schools Apr 30, 2026

Ofsted reforms: How the new school inspection ratings system works

Following the tragic death of headteacher Ruth Perry, Ofsted has replaced its single-word judgement system to reduce pressure on school leaders. The new framework provides separate sub-judgements whilst maintaining rigorous accountability for standards.

Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act Passes into Law
Safeguarding Apr 30, 2026

Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act Passes into Law

The Children’s Commissioner for England has welcomed the passing of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act, which introduces significant reforms across safeguarding, schools, and children’s services. The legislation represents a milestone in efforts to ensure every child grows up safe, happy, and healthy, reflecting feedback gathered from over a million children.

When algorithms decide: Lessons from Sweden's school admissions chaos
Schools Apr 30, 2026

When algorithms decide: Lessons from Sweden's school admissions chaos

When Gothenburg introduced an algorithm to manage school admissions in 2020, the promise was efficiency and neutrality. Instead, families faced chaos and unaccountable decisions that disrupted children's education. The case raises urgent questions for UK local authorities regarding algorithmic transparency and accountability in admissions processes.