DfE
The latest news and analysis on the Department for Education and the secretary of state for education, including new policy, legislation and appointments
Wednesday
29th Nov 2023
Regional directors ‘lack knowledge to hold trusts to account’
DfE regional directors cover such big areas they are not able to tackle problems quickly enough, council bosses warn
Pupils need AI lessons from age 11, say experts
There is not enough focus on artificial intelligence in ‘highly theoretical’ GCSE, according to the British Computer Society
Tuesday
28th Nov 2023
Teacher strike changes: what the DfE said today
The DfE has published its proposals for maintaining minimum service levels in schools during strikes – here’s what they mean for staff and leaders
DfE: Heads ‘best placed’ to choose staff to work during strike
The DfE has published its proposals for maintaining minimum service levels in schools during staff strike action
Revealed: DfE plan to keep most pupils in school during strikes
DfE discussion paper says there is a ‘strong case’ for ensuring face-to-face education continues for around 3 in 4 pupils during strikes
Exclusive
Specialist GCSE science teachers ‘unrealistic’, say ITT providers
Shortages of physics teachers could be addressed through a ‘specialist Early Career Framework’ for non-specialists, an expert suggests
Friday
24th Nov 2023
Attendance: DfE plans £15m mentor pilot expansion
The department is seeking a potential partner to expand its three-year intensive mentoring programme to 10 Priority Education Investment Areas
MAT sector at ‘tipping point’, leaders warn
A MAT chief has also called for the streamlining of a complicated system amid rising parental complaints to schools post-Covid
Thursday
23rd Nov 2023
Barran: Inflation has ‘eaten away’ at school funding increase
Speaking at the Institute for School Business Leadership Conference, Baroness Barran also said ‘there are things broken beyond the money’ in the SEND system
Weekly round-up: Ofsted reform and the gender pay gap
This week’s essential education news includes an inquiry calling for Ofsted to stop inspecting schools and research showing a growing difference in pay for secondary heads
Pupil exclusions soar to pre-pandemic levels
Suspension rate for disadvantaged pupils almost four times higher than non-disadvantaged peers, government data shows