Thursday
SEND: 10,000 new places in mainstream and special schools
DfE warns that special schools are 8,000 students over capacity and highlights that fewer than one in 10 mainstream schools have specialist provision
Unfilled primary places at highest level since records began
There were 611,000 unfilled primary places in 2023-24, DfE data shows
Ofsted backs heads who ban phones, says Oliver
Chief inspector tells parents that schools have the power to ban phones ‘and should ban them’
The insurance update schools need to know about
The DfE’s risk protection arrangement scheme provides coverage for injuries at work, legal liabilities and damage to property. A lawyer explains a revision to the scheme that schools should be aware of
Schools need more targeted funding to improve attendance
Research report highlights need for more pastoral and mental health support to improve attendance
Wednesday
MATs told to seek DfE approval for ‘contentious transactions’
New guidance sets out what transactions may be considered ‘novel, contentious and repercussive’ amid a row over one academy trust’s plan for an alternative pension scheme
Classes ‘shivering’ in winter and ‘overheated’ in summer
Headteachers’ leaders call on the chancellor to use her spring statement to address a £3.6bn shortfall in funding for school buildings
Monday
Legal action for teachers over pension valuation delay
Law firm launches action on behalf of NASUWT members, warning that some teachers have been left waiting for months for pension valuations
Government pushes back on free school meals cuts claims
Chancellor Rachel Reeves says she does not ‘recognise’ reports claiming that ministers are considering ending universal infant free school meals
