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Children's News Feed

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

Schools 5 days ago

DfE to publish new enrichment benchmarks for schools

The Department for Education is preparing to introduce new enrichment benchmarks aimed at broadening the educational offer in schools. However, school leaders have raised immediate concerns regarding capacity and resources to meet these aspirational standards.

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Cleaners at Ark Academies Plan Strike After Pay Deal Scrapped
Schools Jun 11, 2026

Cleaners at Ark Academies Plan Strike After Pay Deal Scrapped

Support staff at Ark academies are preparing to strike after the multi-academy trust cancelled an existing wage agreement. The dispute centres on pay and conditions for cleaning staff who serve the trust's network of schools across the country. Union members are now balloting for industrial action that could disrupt operations in multiple schools.

Natural History GCSE Approved to Teach Biodiversity and Conservation Skills
Policy Jun 11, 2026

Natural History GCSE Approved to Teach Biodiversity and Conservation Skills

A new Natural History GCSE will teach pupils about biodiversity loss, climate change, and practical conservation skills such as planting wildflower-friendly gardens. The qualification, announced after years of campaigning and delays, will be available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

EHCP Numbers Top Half a Million as Ministers Plan Eligibility Restrictions
SEND Jun 11, 2026

EHCP Numbers Top Half a Million as Ministers Plan Eligibility Restrictions

Latest government figures reveal that over half a million pupils now have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), marking an 11 per cent annual increase. The statistics arrive as ministers signal intentions to reserve statutory support exclusively for the 'most complex' needs, raising significant questions for local SEND provision.

Cambridge fined £875k by Ofqual for two-year automated test failures
Policy Jun 11, 2026

Cambridge fined £875k by Ofqual for two-year automated test failures

Cambridge Assessment has received a substantial penalty from Ofqual after system errors spanning two years disrupted automated tests, affecting visa and further education course applications. The regulatory action highlights significant concerns about quality assurance in high-stakes educational assessment systems.

UK Minister Defends Changes to Student Loans Amid Mounting Criticism
Policy Jun 10, 2026

UK Minister Defends Changes to Student Loans Amid Mounting Criticism

The UK government has defended recent modifications to student loan terms, with Chief Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby arguing that heavy public subsidies justify the changes. The minister told MPs that with fewer than half of young people attending university, the government must consider fairness to all taxpayers when reviewing the financing system.

Adult Skills Funding 2026-27: Rates Frozen as Earnings Thresholds Rise
Policy Jun 10, 2026

Adult Skills Funding 2026-27: Rates Frozen as Earnings Thresholds Rise

The government has announced that adult skills funding rates will remain frozen for 2026-27, despite rising earnings thresholds that determine learner eligibility. This creates fresh pressure on further education budgets as providers face higher costs without additional per-learner funding.