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

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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.

New law bans mobile phones in schools as scrutiny of big tech grows
Schools Apr 27, 2026

New law bans mobile phones in schools as scrutiny of big tech grows

The government has been compelled to introduce a statutory ban on mobile phone use in schools following pressure from Liberal Democrat and Conservative peers. While digital technology remains embedded in education, the new legislation reflects mounting concerns about the influence of big tech companies and the impacts of screen time on pupils.

Children's Commissioner warns over safeguarding in police strip searches
Safeguarding Apr 23, 2026

Children's Commissioner warns over safeguarding in police strip searches

The Children's Commissioner for England has exposed serious safeguarding failures affecting thousands of children subjected to police strip searches, following the shocking case of Child Q, a Black schoolgirl searched without an appropriate adult present. The findings highlight stark racial disparities and demand urgent reforms to ensure vulnerable children are protected during interactions with law enforcement.

Government pressed for clarity on school smartphone ban enforcement
Schools Apr 22, 2026

Government pressed for clarity on school smartphone ban enforcement

The government's plan to ban smartphones in English schools has drawn calls from headteachers and campaigners for clearer guidance on how to enforce the prohibition. School leaders warn that without detailed direction on implementation, the policy risks creating inconsistent approaches across different settings.

Smartphones in schools: Why the new statutory ban barely scratches the surface
Schools Apr 22, 2026

Smartphones in schools: Why the new statutory ban barely scratches the surface

The UK government's decision to impose a statutory ban on mobile phones in English schools reflects a crisis far deeper than classroom distraction. Teachers report that smartphones have become 'the tobacco of our age', fuelling addiction, safeguarding concerns, and widening attainment gaps. Whilst welcome, enforcement presents significant practical challenges for headteachers already managing tight resources.

Mobile phones to be banned in schools by law under new government plans
Schools Apr 21, 2026

Mobile phones to be banned in schools by law under new government plans

The government has announced plans to introduce a legal requirement for schools in England to ban mobile phones. Education Minister Jacqui Smith confirmed the move would create a clear statutory duty for headteachers and governing bodies to prohibit mobile device use on school premises.