Policy
The latest news, analysis and advice on government policy and legislation. Find a breakdown of new documentation, case studies from leaders and comment from high-profile educators
Friday
28th Nov 2025
Assistive tech use grows - but many teachers remain untrained
Schools are also restricting pupils’ use of artificial intelligence for homework and live lessons, research finds
5 questions for school leaders on the Budget’s implications for SEND
The Budget was light on detail on plans for SEND, but presented critical questions for school leaders. Trust leader and SEND expert Warren Carratt provides some answers
Thursday
27th Nov 2025
3 ways government could reform SEND funding, according to IFS
With SEND spending set to be absorbed by central government, the Institute for Fiscal Studies sets out where the money could come from
Budget: Why keep us waiting for SEND and inclusion funding?
This week’s Budget shows some positive intent – but delaying SEND funding changes until 2028 fails to address the difficulties inclusive schools are facing right now, says Vic Goddard
Why international schools should seek accreditation - and 3 tips to help
One experienced leader explains the different forms of accreditation that international schools can choose – and recommends ways to make the most of the process
Wednesday
26th Nov 2025
Budget 2025 falls short for schools - despite some positives
A co-chair of the Headteachers’ Roundtable considers chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Budget announcement today and what it will mean for the schools sector
Budget 2025: what schools need to know
Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Budget sparks warnings about a real-terms drop in school funding but includes spending on school libraries and books. Here are all the key details for the sector
Ofsted pauses NPQ inspections
Watchdog stops routine inspections of national professional qualifications for 2025-26, at education secretary Bridget Phillipson’s request
Are EHCPs really driving the SEND crisis?
Education, health and care plans have been blamed for an unsustainable rise in special educational needs in schools, but would scrapping or limiting these plans fix the problem?
Tuesday
25th Nov 2025
Heads’ union loses appeal against Ofsted ruling
The NAHT had appealed against a decision not to grant a judicial review into the launch of new Ofsted school inspections
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Teacher contact time plans include assemblies, tech and timetabling
Scottish government proposals also call for pilot schemes to ‘begin immediately’ but councils have ‘significant concerns’ about cost and impact – and, along with unions, say they’ve been blindsided
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