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Children's News Feed

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

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Policy 3 weeks ago

Best Start Champion Defends Strategy Against Claims of Sector Division

The Government's Best Start in Life champion Sue Robb has denied allegations that the Department for Education is deliberately pitting private and independent nurseries against school-based provision. The claims suggested the early years strategy creates unhealthy competition between PVI settings and maintained nursery schools.

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Nurseries charging parents extra fees to cover government underfunding
Policy May 25, 2026

Nurseries charging parents extra fees to cover government underfunding

Parents of nursery-age children are reportedly paying thousands of pounds in additional charges for consumables such as food and nappies to compensate for inadequate government funding of free childcare hours. The Early Years Alliance has described these charges as a 'cross-subsidy', prompting the Education Secretary to refer the matter to the competition watchdog for investigation.

Education Secretary orders review of hidden childcare costs
Policy May 25, 2026

Education Secretary orders review of hidden childcare costs

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has asked the Competition and Markets Authority to investigate additional costs families face when accessing government-funded childcare provision. The review will examine whether providers are charging unfair fees for extras such as meals, nappies and activities alongside 'free' hours.

Phillipson orders CMA review of hidden childcare charges hitting parents
Policy May 24, 2026

Phillipson orders CMA review of hidden childcare charges hitting parents

The Education Secretary has asked the Competition and Markets Authority to examine nursery practices including non-refundable deposits and compulsory add-ons. The move comes amid concerns that families are facing unexpected costs despite the government's expansion of funded early years hours.

Evidence gaps pose 'significant challenge' to SEND reforms, warns EEF
SEND May 22, 2026

Evidence gaps pose 'significant challenge' to SEND reforms, warns EEF

The Education Endowment Foundation has warned that a lack of robust evidence could undermine the government's SEND reform ambitions. In its response to the national SEND consultation, the charity highlighted significant gaps in the proposed evidence base, raising concerns about how local authorities will implement changes without clear proof of what works.

DfE to dissolve troubled 24-school academy trust over £8m deficit
Schools May 21, 2026

DfE to dissolve troubled 24-school academy trust over £8m deficit

The Department for Education has announced plans to break up a struggling multi-academy trust operating 24 schools, following the discovery of an £8 million deficit. The academies will transition to other established chains in what represents one of the largest-ever trust closures orchestrated by the department.

FE Commissioner intervenes as Tyne Coast College loses control of £96m campus
Policy May 21, 2026

FE Commissioner intervenes as Tyne Coast College loses control of £96m campus

The Further Education Commissioner has intervened at Tyne Coast College after the institution lost control of a major £96m campus building project. The crisis raises serious questions about governance and oversight in further education capital programmes, with significant implications for skills provision in the region.

Boston College placed under DfE notice to improve over finances and legal breach
Policy May 21, 2026

Boston College placed under DfE notice to improve over finances and legal breach

The Department for Education has issued a formal notice to improve to Boston College following the discovery of serious financial difficulties and an undisclosed legal breach. The intervention places the Lincolnshire further education institution under heightened scrutiny as it works to resolve governance and compliance failures.

Education Secretary dismisses Gemma Collins criticism as snobbery over DfE video
Policy May 21, 2026

Education Secretary dismisses Gemma Collins criticism as snobbery over DfE video

Bridget Phillipson has defended the Department for Education's collaboration with television personality Gemma Collins, claiming negative reactions amount to "snobbery". The minister highlighted Collins' "incredible reach" with young people as justification for featuring her in official department communications.

School Leaders Warn 'Attainment-First' Policies Threaten SEND Inclusion Reforms
SEND May 20, 2026

School Leaders Warn 'Attainment-First' Policies Threaten SEND Inclusion Reforms

Headteachers have warned that the government's focus on academic targets risks undermining proposed changes to special educational needs provision. The Association of School and College Leaders argues that an 'attainment at all costs' approach conflicts with efforts to support mainstream schools in accommodating more pupils with SEND.

Association of Colleges secures £20m T Level teacher training contract
Policy May 19, 2026

Association of Colleges secures £20m T Level teacher training contract

The Association of Colleges (AoC) has been awarded a £20 million contract to deliver T Level teacher training, taking over from the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) this summer. The flagship continuing professional development (CPD) programme supports further education staff in delivering these technical qualifications that form a key part of post-16 skills pathways.

Scottish Charities Urge Action on Online Child Safety in First 100 Days
Safeguarding May 19, 2026

Scottish Charities Urge Action on Online Child Safety in First 100 Days

A coalition of Scottish children’s charities is calling on the newly elected Scottish Government to prioritise child protection in its first 100 days. The organisations are demanding urgent action to safeguard children from growing online harms, highlighting the need for immediate policy interventions to protect vulnerable young people.