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Children's News Feed

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

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Tens of Thousands of Disadvantaged Children with SEND Missing Out on Holiday Activities
SEND Jul 22, 2026

Tens of Thousands of Disadvantaged Children with SEND Missing Out on Holiday Activities

The Children's Commissioner for England has warned that tens of thousands of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) from low-income families are being excluded from government-funded holiday activity schemes. The findings highlight significant barriers preventing vulnerable children from accessing enriching opportunities during school breaks.

Renowned autism researcher regrets 'extreme male brain' terminology
SEND Jul 5, 2026

Renowned autism researcher regrets 'extreme male brain' terminology

Professor Simon Baron-Cohen has stated that his 'extreme male brain' theory of autism has been misunderstood and the terminology is unhelpful. He challenges the myth that autistic people lack empathy, clarifying that the condition involves a tendency towards systemising over empathising. The revised understanding has significant implications for how education and care professionals support neurodivergent children.

Ofsted withdraws 'offensive' guidance linking autism with extremism following campaign
SEND Jul 5, 2026

Ofsted withdraws 'offensive' guidance linking autism with extremism following campaign

Ofsted has removed training materials that inappropriately associated autistic children with extremism risks following criticism from campaigners including presenter Chris Packham. The education watchdog confirmed that updated inspector guidance no longer references autism after concerns were raised about discriminatory safeguarding practices.

SEND Training in Focus: Building Capacity for System Reform
SEND Jun 30, 2026

SEND Training in Focus: Building Capacity for System Reform

As the Government prepares to reform special educational needs and disability policies, demand for specialist training is rising sharply. New courses are equipping education and care professionals with the expertise needed to navigate the evolving landscape and deliver improved outcomes for children and families.

DfE Urges FE Colleges to Partner with Specialist SEND Providers
SEND Jun 25, 2026

DfE Urges FE Colleges to Partner with Specialist SEND Providers

The Department for Education is calling on further education colleges to collaborate with specialist providers to ensure SEND funding is spent effectively. The guidance recognises the unique expertise of specialist colleges in supporting young people with complex needs as they transition into post-16 education.

Record high as over 718,000 children hold EHCPs across England
SEND Jun 25, 2026

Record high as over 718,000 children hold EHCPs across England

New figures reveal a record 718,838 children and young people held Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in January this year, marking a significant milestone since their introduction. The unprecedented increase highlights growing demand for SEND support and the mounting pressure on local authorities to deliver timely assessments.

New Guidance Published on Inclusion Bases Under SEND Reforms
SEND Jun 25, 2026

New Guidance Published on Inclusion Bases Under SEND Reforms

The Department for Education has released long-awaited guidance outlining how inclusion bases will operate within the forthcoming SEND reforms. Schools will need to understand the new requirements for these specialist provisions designed to support pupils who struggle in mainstream classrooms but do not require full-time specialist placement.

DfE issues guidance to help nurseries prepare for SEND reforms
SEND Jun 25, 2026

DfE issues guidance to help nurseries prepare for SEND reforms

The Department for Education has published new guidance for early years providers on adapting their settings to better include children with special educational needs and disabilities. The guidance comes ahead of significant reforms to the SEND system, aiming to ensure nurseries are equipped to support all children effectively.

Record High: EHCP Numbers Reach Unprecedented Levels
SEND Jun 25, 2026

Record High: EHCP Numbers Reach Unprecedented Levels

The number of children receiving special educational needs support has reached a record high, with education, health and care plans (EHCPs) seeing their highest yearly increase since they were first introduced.