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Children's News Feed

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

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Safeguarding 1 month ago

Government reviews DBS system after nursery worker employed whilst on bail for indecent images

The Government is urgently reviewing the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) system after it emerged a nursery worker was able to secure employment at an early years setting whilst on bail for possessing indecent images of children. The case has exposed significant safeguarding gaps in how criminal allegations are flagged to employers in the childcare sector before conviction.

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Policy Jul 2, 2026

Ofqual rebukes Pearson over 'repurposed' A Level maths paper

Exam regulator Ofqual has issued a formal rebuke to Pearson after the board included questions in an A Level maths paper that closely mirrored a 2022 test. The incident raises serious concerns about examination security and fairness in high-stakes post-16 qualifications.

Councils ordered to improve tracking of 'phantom NEETs' as new risk tool launched
Policy Jul 2, 2026

Councils ordered to improve tracking of 'phantom NEETs' as new risk tool launched

Councils have been ordered to improve how they track 'phantom NEETs'—young people who have dropped out of education, employment or training without appearing in official local authority records. The new directive includes six-month improvement plans and the introduction of a risk assessment tool to flag teenagers at risk of disengaging from education or training pathways.

Government orders councils to tackle 'phantom NEETs' with new tracking tool
Policy Jul 1, 2026

Government orders councils to tackle 'phantom NEETs' with new tracking tool

The government has mandated councils to improve their tracking of 'phantom NEETs'—young people not in education, employment or training who currently escape official monitoring. A new risk assessment tool will flag teenagers at risk of dropping out, whilst local authorities face stringent six-month improvement plans to enhance their data collection and intervention strategies.

Schools face budget pressure as 6.6% teacher pay rise partially unfunded
Schools Jul 1, 2026

Schools face budget pressure as 6.6% teacher pay rise partially unfunded

The government has accepted recommendations to increase teacher salaries by 6.6% over two years, with a 3.5% rise from September followed by 3% in 2026. However, concerns have been raised that nearly a third of the additional cost must be met from existing school budgets, placing further strain on already tight finances.

Backlash grows over Exeter University plans to cut 150 humanities jobs
Policy Jul 1, 2026

Backlash grows over Exeter University plans to cut 150 humanities jobs

More than 21,000 people have signed a petition against proposed redundancies at the University of Exeter, which would disproportionately affect arts and social sciences departments. Leading cultural figures including Rowan Williams and Mark Kermode have joined the campaign amid concerns about the sector-wide decline of humanities provision in higher education.

Defence spending row threatens local road budgets, ministers warn
Policy Jul 1, 2026

Defence spending row threatens local road budgets, ministers warn

Senior Conservatives have demanded Andy Burnham oppose plans to fund defence investment through cuts to local infrastructure projects. The proposals have been described as a 'poisoned chalice' that could divert desperately needed capital from road schemes across the country.

Further education colleges receive £485m to align teacher pay with schools
Policy Jul 1, 2026

Further education colleges receive £485m to align teacher pay with schools

The government has pledged £485 million to help further education colleges match school teacher pay rises over a two-year period. While the funding opens the door for meaningful pay awards for FE staff, uncertainty remains regarding how the money will be distributed to individual institutions.

Schools face budget strain as 3.5% teacher pay rise announced
Schools Jul 1, 2026

Schools face budget strain as 3.5% teacher pay rise announced

The government has confirmed a 3.5% pay award for teachers in England, but councils and school leaders will need to find additional funds from already stretched budgets to deliver the increase. Teaching unions have warned that unfunded pay awards will force schools to make difficult choices between staff retention and educational provision.

Experts Identify Three Critical Barriers Facing Disadvantaged Children in Early Years
Policy Jul 1, 2026

Experts Identify Three Critical Barriers Facing Disadvantaged Children in Early Years

A panel of early years specialists has given evidence to MPs identifying three fundamental systemic barriers preventing disadvantaged children from thriving during the critical birth to five period. Their testimony highlights how structural inequalities in health, education and family support require urgent policy attention to ensure every child gets the best possible start.

MPs Told of 'Systemic Barriers' Facing Disadvantaged Children in Early Years
Policy Jul 1, 2026

MPs Told of 'Systemic Barriers' Facing Disadvantaged Children in Early Years

A panel of experts has given evidence to Parliament on the systemic barriers preventing disadvantaged children from thriving in the early years. The session highlighted how inequality in access to quality childcare and early education risks entrenching disadvantage before children even start primary school.