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

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Education 3 weeks ago

New Chief Executive Appointed to Lead Windsor Forest Colleges Group

Oliver Symons will take the helm at Windsor Forest Colleges Group this autumn, joining from Moulton College where he previously served in a senior leadership role. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for further education as colleges continue adapting to skills policy reforms and local labour market demands.

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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.

Universities warn of cuts to hardship support as funding crisis deepens
Higher Education May 24, 2026

Universities warn of cuts to hardship support as funding crisis deepens

Nearly a third of UK vice-chancellors would cut hardship funds for impoverished students over the next three years if financial pressures continue, according to a Universities UK poll. The survey reveals more than two-thirds are prepared to make compulsory staff redundancies, while nearly 90% are considering hiring freezes.

Children’s Commissioner responds to Fordingbridge rape case sentencing
Safeguarding May 24, 2026

Children’s Commissioner responds to Fordingbridge rape case sentencing

The Children’s Commissioner for England has issued a statement following the sentencing in the Fordingbridge rape case. Dame Rachel de Souza praised the extraordinary courage of the two teenage victims and emphasised that no child should experience such heinous crimes.

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.