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Policy 2 weeks ago

DfE unable to demonstrate skills impact of £270m Multiply numeracy programme

A government evaluation of the £270m Multiply programme has found that while the scheme successfully reduced numeracy anxiety among adult learners, it was unable to measure whether participants actually improved their maths skills. The findings raise questions about the Department for Education's ability to demonstrate value for money in its adult skills initiatives.

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Financial literacy should mean life skills, not compulsory maths to 18
Policy May 29, 2026

Financial literacy should mean life skills, not compulsory maths to 18

Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called for improved financial literacy education, but his proposed solution of compulsory mathematics to age 18 may miss the mark. Commentator Simon Jenkins argues that preparing young people for adult life requires practical knowledge of taxes, pensions, and mental health, not just numeracy. The debate comes amid rising concerns about youth employment, with recent reports highlighting that one million 16 to 24-year-olds are currently not in education, employment or training.

Are Nursery Leaders Ready for Trade Union Workplace Access Rights?
Policy May 29, 2026

Are Nursery Leaders Ready for Trade Union Workplace Access Rights?

Imogen Edmunds, managing director of Redwing Solutions, examines whether nursery leaders are adequately prepared for new requirements regarding trade union access to early years settings. The article explores the practical implications for workplace relations and what leaders need to know about their statutory obligations.

CMA Scrutiny of Nursery Charges: What Early Years Providers Must Prepare For
Policy May 28, 2026

CMA Scrutiny of Nursery Charges: What Early Years Providers Must Prepare For

Following the Education Secretary's request for the Competition and Markets Authority to examine childcare costs, competition lawyer Charlie Markillie warns early years settings to prepare for potential regulatory changes. The investigation focuses on charges to parents taking up the funded offer, with significant implications for nursery provision across the sector.

Children's Commissioner Backs Milburn Review on Youth Employment
Policy May 28, 2026

Children's Commissioner Backs Milburn Review on Youth Employment

Dame Rachel de Souza has welcomed the Milburn review into young people and work, emphasising that young people's ambition for meaningful employment must be at the heart of policy discussions. The Commissioner highlighted how thousands of children have expressed their desire to secure good jobs and contribute to the economy. The review represents an important opportunity to reshape how we support young people's transitions from education into the workplace.

Tees Valley cancels skills tender following legal challenge
Policy May 28, 2026

Tees Valley cancels skills tender following legal challenge

A major skills procurement process in Tees Valley has been halted after legal proceedings were brought against the tender. The cancellation raises immediate questions about procurement compliance and the future of local skills provision in the region.

David Hughes: Colleges can reduce NEET rates with proper funding and early intervention
Policy May 28, 2026

David Hughes: Colleges can reduce NEET rates with proper funding and early intervention

David Hughes argues that further education colleges are uniquely positioned to reduce the number of young people not in education, employment or training, yet systemic barriers including restrictive funding rules and poor local coordination limit their impact. The article highlights the urgent need for earlier intervention and greater collaboration between colleges, local authorities and employers to prevent vulnerable learners from disengaging entirely.

Milburn Review: Schools Failing to Prepare Young People for Adulthood and Employment
Policy May 28, 2026

Milburn Review: Schools Failing to Prepare Young People for Adulthood and Employment

A damning government review led by former minister Alan Milburn has found that England’s education system is failing to adequately prepare young people for adulthood, with urgent calls for schools to be held accountable for pupil destinations. The report highlights the growing crisis of young people classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training), warning that current accountability measures neglect the crucial transition from classroom to career.

Milburn review: Pay colleges for outcomes not headcounts
Policy May 28, 2026

Milburn review: Pay colleges for outcomes not headcounts

An interim review led by Alan Milburn has recommended overhauling how further education colleges are funded, shifting from payments based on enrolment and course completion to rewarding institutions that successfully help young people secure employment. The findings highlight concerns that the current post-16 system prioritises headcounts over meaningful preparation for the workforce, particularly for those at risk of becoming NEET.

NEET numbers could hit 1.25 million within five years, landmark review warns
Policy May 27, 2026

NEET numbers could hit 1.25 million within five years, landmark review warns

An independent review led by Alan Milburn warns that the number of young people not in education, employment or training could rise to 1.25 million within five years without urgent reforms. The findings call for fundamental changes across education, health and employment systems to prevent a generation of young people facing long-term economic exclusion.