AI-Curated News

Children's News Feed

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

Categories

Record High: 1.8 Million Pupils Now Receiving SEND Support in England
SEND Jun 11, 2026

Record High: 1.8 Million Pupils Now Receiving SEND Support in England

New figures reveal that over 1.8 million pupils in England—more than one in five—are now accessing special educational needs support. This unprecedented level highlights the mounting pressure on schools and local authorities to deliver adequate provision for children with diverse learning needs.

Research Links Early Childhood Physical Punishment to Teenage Bullying Behaviour
Safeguarding Jun 11, 2026

Research Links Early Childhood Physical Punishment to Teenage Bullying Behaviour

New research has revealed a concerning correlation between physical punishment in early childhood and an increased likelihood of bullying behaviour during adolescence. The findings suggest that children who experience hitting as a form of discipline are more prone to directing aggressive behaviours towards others, including siblings, as they enter their teenage years.

Nursery World Webinar to Showcase New Government-Funded Early Years SENCo Training
SEND Jun 11, 2026

Nursery World Webinar to Showcase New Government-Funded Early Years SENCo Training

Nursery World is hosting a webinar sponsored by Best Practice Network to demonstrate how new government-funded training can support early years educators to identify and meet the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities. The session will highlight practical strategies for Early Years SENCos to spot developmental concerns early and implement effective support in nursery settings.

Studies Find Shared Play Strengthens Family Bonds
Early Years Jun 11, 2026

Studies Find Shared Play Strengthens Family Bonds

New research demonstrates that shared play between parents and children serves as a powerful catalyst for strengthening emotional and physical connections. The findings highlight the importance of play-based interactions in supporting family relationships and early childhood development.

Dr Ger Graus: Early Years Must Prepare Children for Life, Not Just School
Education Jun 11, 2026

Dr Ger Graus: Early Years Must Prepare Children for Life, Not Just School

Global education adviser Dr Ger Graus has challenged the narrow focus on school readiness in early years education, arguing that defining the sector solely by its ability to prepare children for reception is "an insult." Speaking at the NDNA conference, Graus emphasised that early years provision must instead focus on preparing children for life itself.

EHCP Numbers Top Half a Million as Ministers Plan Eligibility Restrictions
SEND Jun 11, 2026

EHCP Numbers Top Half a Million as Ministers Plan Eligibility Restrictions

Latest government figures reveal that over half a million pupils now have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), marking an 11 per cent annual increase. The statistics arrive as ministers signal intentions to reserve statutory support exclusively for the 'most complex' needs, raising significant questions for local SEND provision.

Research Shows Disadvantage Gap 'Locks In' by Age 11
Schools Jun 11, 2026

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.

Cambridge fined £875k by Ofqual for two-year automated test failures
Policy Jun 11, 2026

Cambridge fined £875k by Ofqual for two-year automated test failures

Cambridge Assessment has received a substantial penalty from Ofqual after system errors spanning two years disrupted automated tests, affecting visa and further education course applications. The regulatory action highlights significant concerns about quality assurance in high-stakes educational assessment systems.

Study links parental smacking to poor GCSE results and bullying behaviour
Safeguarding Jun 11, 2026

Study links parental smacking to poor GCSE results and bullying behaviour

New UCL research reveals that children physically punished at ages three, five and seven are significantly less likely to pass their GCSEs and more likely to exhibit bullying behaviours. The findings add weight to calls for England to follow Scotland and Wales in implementing a complete ban on physical punishment.