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

Extend National Year of Reading to a Decade, Urges Education Committee

A parliamentary inquiry has called for the National Year of Reading to be extended to a decade-long initiative, alongside a new National Reading Guarantee. The Education Committee's recommendations aim to ensure all children have frequent opportunities to enjoy reading for pleasure.

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Safeguarding Jul 16, 2026

DfE launches NSPCC-developed safeguarding training for early years settings

The Department for Education has published new safeguarding training for early years settings, developed in partnership with the NSPCC. The training aims to equip staff with the skills to recognise signs of harm and take appropriate action on concerns, strengthening child protection across the early years sector.

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Education Jul 16, 2026

Children's Commissioner receives honorary doctorate from Liverpool Hope University

Dame Rachel de Souza has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Liverpool Hope University in recognition of her work championing children's rights across England. Speaking to graduates at the ceremony, she expressed her gratitude and reflected on the importance of advocating for young people.

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Policy 2 weeks ago

Extend National Year of Reading to a Decade, Urges Education Committee

Read Summary

Safeguarding 2 weeks ago

DfE launches NSPCC-developed safeguarding training for early years settings

Read Summary

Education 2 weeks ago

Children's Commissioner receives honorary doctorate from Liverpool Hope University

Read Summary

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Education Jul 16, 2026

Private schools offer 41% more tree shade than state schools in England

Analysis reveals stark socioeconomic divide, with schools with highest free school meal eligibility having fewer treesPrivate school grounds in England offer 41% more tree cover than state schools for cooling and shade in extreme temperatures, research has found.As teachers and students prepare to t...

Policy Jul 16, 2026

Defending University Autonomy: When Government Pressure Threatens Higher Education

Recent negotiations between Yale University and the Trump administration highlight the fragility of institutional autonomy in higher education. When government pressure intersects with university governance, the resulting tensions pose fundamental questions about academic freedom and democratic values. These developments offer important lessons for UK policymakers regarding the balance between oversight and institutional independence.

Policy Jul 16, 2026

Birth to 5 Matters: Updated Guidance Launched for Early Years Foundation Stage

The Early Years Coalition has published a second edition of Birth to 5 Matters, providing refreshed non-statutory guidance for practitioners delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage. The updated framework supports high-quality provision from birth to age five, helping nurseries and childminders implement the EYFS effectively whilst maintaining professional autonomy.

Safeguarding Jul 16, 2026

Strengthening safeguarding culture in early years: New training and consultation launched

The Government's Best Start in Life Champion has emphasised the vital connection between high-quality practice and robust safeguarding arrangements as the Department for Education launches new free training resources. Developed in partnership with the NSPCC, the training supports practitioners whilst ministers prepare to consult on tightening safeguarding requirements within the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

Safeguarding Jul 16, 2026

NSPCC and DfE Launch Free Safeguarding Training for Early Years Practitioners

The NSPCC has partnered with the Department for Education to deliver free safeguarding training for early years practitioners. Christian McMullen, the charity's Professional Learning Services Director, explains how this initiative aims to make settings safer for young children across England.

Safeguarding Jul 16, 2026

Sue Robb: 'The journey to a stronger safeguarding culture starts with all of us'

Sue Robb OBE, the Government's Best Start in Life Champion, highlights the vital link between high-quality practice and robust safeguarding in early years settings. The Department for Education has launched free safeguarding training with the NSPCC and announced plans to consult on strengthening safeguarding wording in the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

Policy Jul 16, 2026

Coram survey: Over half of councils unaware of holiday childcare sufficiency

Coram Family and Childcare’s annual survey reveals that rising costs continue to burden families across Great Britain, while over half of local authorities remain unaware of their holiday childcare sufficiency. The findings raise significant concerns about whether councils can effectively meet their statutory duties to ensure adequate childcare provision.

Policy Jul 15, 2026

Vice-chancellor warns arts and humanities cuts 'absolutely tragic' for higher education

Professor Evelyn Welch, vice-chancellor of Bristol University and mother of musician Florence Welch, has warned that sweeping cuts to arts and humanities subjects across higher education are "absolutely tragic". Her intervention highlights growing concerns about the future of creative education and its value to the UK's cultural and economic landscape.

Higher Education Jul 15, 2026

Understanding the student experience: insights from university societies

As the academic year begins, we are gathering perspectives from students and recent graduates about their experiences with university clubs and societies. These extracurricular activities form a crucial part of the higher education landscape, shaping wellbeing, social integration, and personal development.

Schools Jul 15, 2026

Nine in 10 nurseries seek stronger school links for reception transition

New research reveals a significant disconnect between early years settings and primary schools, with just over one in 10 nurseries reporting that all local schools engage effectively with them around children's transition to reception.

Education Jul 15, 2026

Professor Becky Francis: Evidence-Based Approaches to Developing Children's Communication Skills

Professor Becky Francis shares insights from recent research into effective strategies for supporting oracy and language development across early years and primary settings. The findings emphasise structured dialogic teaching and explicit vocabulary instruction as key to improving outcomes, particularly for disadvantaged pupils and those with additional needs.

Policy Jul 15, 2026

The Big Future: Hearing from Southampton's children

The Children's Commissioner reflects on the importance of listening to children's hopes and concerns for the future, drawing on conversations with young people in Southampton as part of The Big Future initiative.

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