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Children's News Feed

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

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Schools 1 month ago

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.

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Schools 1 month ago

Research Shows Disadvantage Gap 'Locks In' by Age 11

New research from the Education Policy Institute and Education Endowment Foundation reveals that lower prior attainment is the largest contributor to the disadvantage gap, with nearly half becoming entrenched by the time pupils transition to secondary school. The findings underscore the critical importance of early intervention during the primary years to prevent persistent inequality.

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West London primary introduces screen-free Mondays for pupils, staff and parents
Schools Jun 7, 2026

West London primary introduces screen-free Mondays for pupils, staff and parents

Holy Family Catholic primary school in Ealing has introduced 'screen-free Mondays' where pupils, teachers and parents alike put away smartphones, laptops and tablets. The initiative, which originated with the pupils themselves, has seen an enthusiastic uptake from families seeking to reduce digital dependency.

The precious SEND provision at risk: How Springfields Academy transforms autistic children's lives
SEND Jun 7, 2026

The precious SEND provision at risk: How Springfields Academy transforms autistic children's lives

Springfields Academy in Calne, Wiltshire exemplifies the life-changing impact of specialist SEND provision, offering autistic children tailored environments where every detail—from wobble stools to structured routines—creates safety and success. With class sizes capped at 12 and a post-16 destination record boasting zero NEETs over six years, the school demonstrates what is possible when specialist settings are prioritised.

Pupils 'asked to walk through firing range' to school, MP claims
SEND Jun 5, 2026

Pupils 'asked to walk through firing range' to school, MP claims

Serious safety concerns have been raised after claims that pupils are being asked to walk to school through an active army firing range. The allegations highlight the mounting pressures on local authorities managing statutory school transport duties within constrained budgets.

Bereaved pupils need sustained support, not just crisis intervention
Schools Jun 4, 2026

Bereaved pupils need sustained support, not just crisis intervention

Children who have experienced bereavement require consistent, long-term support within educational settings rather than episodic crisis interventions. This approach recognises that grief is a progressive journey that significantly impacts attendance, attainment and wellbeing. Without continuity of care, vulnerable pupils risk falling through gaps in provision and escalating to statutory services.

Back to Basics: Why Schools Must Invest in Marketing and Community Engagement
Schools Jun 4, 2026

Back to Basics: Why Schools Must Invest in Marketing and Community Engagement

With pupil numbers fluctuating and competition for school places intensifying, marketing is no longer optional for educational institutions. This article explores why headteachers and governors must embrace proactive communication strategies to showcase their school's unique strengths and build lasting community relationships.

Birmingham pupils champion sustainable travel to transform the school run
Schools Jun 4, 2026

Birmingham pupils champion sustainable travel to transform the school run

Pupils across Birmingham are leading initiatives to change how families travel to school, helping to reduce car dependency and promote walking, cycling and public transport. Their efforts are demonstrating how children can drive meaningful behaviour change in their communities whilst tackling congestion and air quality concerns around school gates.

Teach First retains £89m teacher training contract over Serco bid
Schools Jun 4, 2026

Teach First retains £89m teacher training contract over Serco bid

Teach First has successfully defended its £89 million teacher recruitment contract against competition from outsourcing giant Serco. The decision ensures continuity in the programme placing high-achieving graduates into challenging schools, maintaining the charity's role over privatised provision.

Teacher Numbers Fall by 1,900 in State Schools Amid Government Criticism
Schools Jun 4, 2026

Teacher Numbers Fall by 1,900 in State Schools Amid Government Criticism

New government figures reveal that teacher numbers in England's state-funded schools have dropped by approximately 1,900 over the past year. The decline has prompted accusations that the government is making a "mockery" of its commitments to education, raising serious concerns about workforce sustainability and recruitment challenges facing local authorities.

Union Calls for Smaller Class Sizes as Pupil Numbers Fall
Schools Jun 4, 2026

Union Calls for Smaller Class Sizes as Pupil Numbers Fall

Teaching unions are urging the government to prioritise reducing class sizes rather than cutting teacher recruitment, as pupil numbers continue to decline across many areas. The argument centres on using demographic shifts to improve educational standards through more personalised teaching, rather than simply reducing workforce costs.

Teacher Recruitment Hits 70% of Target but School Workforce Shrinks
Schools Jun 4, 2026

Teacher Recruitment Hits 70% of Target but School Workforce Shrinks

The Department for Education has achieved 70 per cent of its target to recruit 6,500 new teachers, yet official data reveals England's school workforce has contracted for the first time since 2019. The figures highlight persistent challenges with teacher retention that threaten to undermine recruitment gains across the sector.