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SEND 1 month ago

Early Years EHCPs Increase at Non-School Settings, DfE Data Reveals

Department for Education data reveals a significant increase in the proportion of early years children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) attending non-school based nurseries. The figures indicate an almost 10 per cent rise in just one year, highlighting shifting patterns in SEND provision for children under five.

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Quarter of UK graduates financially worse off from university degrees, IFS finds
Skills & Employment Jun 24, 2026

Quarter of UK graduates financially worse off from university degrees, IFS finds

New research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies suggests that approximately 25% of UK graduates may face negative financial returns from their university education, particularly those studying creative and performing arts subjects. While most graduates can expect to earn £100,000 more over their lifetimes, student loans and taxes mean a significant minority would have been better off financially without attending university.

Speaker reprimands Badenoch over attack on Education Secretary at PMQs
Policy Jun 24, 2026

Speaker reprimands Badenoch over attack on Education Secretary at PMQs

Kemi Badenoch has been chastised by the Commons Speaker after accusing Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson of being a "spiteful class warrior" during a heated Prime Minister's Questions. Labour MPs criticised the Conservative leader's language after Sir Lindsay Hoyle intervened in the chamber to address the personal nature of the remarks.

London to Host WorldSkills UK National Finals 2027 with Call for Training Provider Entries
Skills & Employment Jun 24, 2026

London to Host WorldSkills UK National Finals 2027 with Call for Training Provider Entries

London has been announced as the host city for the WorldSkills UK national finals in 2027, bringing the prestigious vocational skills competition to the capital. The competition chief has issued a rallying call for more independent training providers to enter their learners, ensuring broader participation across the further education sector.

Making earwax melt and teeth rattle: the project returning music to our bodies
Education Jun 24, 2026

Making earwax melt and teeth rattle: the project returning music to our bodies

Listeners in the 17th and 18th centuries experienced music in a startlingly vivid – and physical – way. A fascinating academic project is wondering if we should let ourselves be much more moved, and get moving. Plus: a prime minister’s musical legacy?Professor Bettina Varwig wants to get us moving –...

Ministerial Churn Threatens Years of SEND Reform Progress
SEND Jun 24, 2026

Ministerial Churn Threatens Years of SEND Reform Progress

Frequent changes in government ministers risk derailing years of careful work on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities reform. The article warns that political upheaval at Westminster must not become justification for abandoning or restarting extensive policy development that has brought the system closer to much-needed transformation.

Children’s Commissioner Demands Transparency on Asylum Support Withdrawal Plans
Safeguarding Jun 24, 2026

Children’s Commissioner Demands Transparency on Asylum Support Withdrawal Plans

The Children's Commissioner for England has issued a stark warning to the Home Secretary regarding proposals to withdraw support from failed asylum-seeking families. Dame Rachel de Souza argues that plans to forcibly remove families—including those with children receiving medical treatment—would cause significant harm and has demanded the release of affected children's data.

DWP reviews 30/70 funding split for larger apprenticeship units
Policy Jun 23, 2026

DWP reviews 30/70 funding split for larger apprenticeship units

The Department for Work and Pensions is reconsidering the 30/70 funding model for larger apprenticeship units following early feedback from providers. Kate Ridley-Pepper confirmed officials are actively exploring alternatives to address concerns about the financial burden on training providers.

Minister keeps apprenticeship funding restrictions 'not off the table'
Policy Jun 23, 2026

Minister keeps apprenticeship funding restrictions 'not off the table'

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith has indicated that further restrictions on apprenticeship funding, including potential age caps and defunding measures, remain possible despite not being actively planned "at the moment". The comments suggest ongoing uncertainty for further education providers and local authorities working to secure stable training pathways for young people.