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
Thursday
3rd Jul 2025
DfE adviser sets out 5 principles for inclusive practice
Group led by MAT CEO Tom Rees warns there is inconsistency in the training and support available to promote inclusion
Ofsted chief apologises for short notice on new inspections
Sir Martyn Oliver says he’s sorry that schools will get less than a term’s notice before new-style inspections with report cards are introduced
Too many chiefs? The debate over MATs having joint CEOs
With two multi-academy trust mergers proposing a dual-CEO leadership model, Dan Worth investigates how common this approach is – and whether it can really work
Wednesday
2nd Jul 2025
Just 19 people show interest in the DfE’s ambassador jobs
The DfE is accused of ‘burying’ adverts for its new attendance and behaviour ambassador jobs, with the successful candidates, who are due to start this week, yet to be announced
Exclusive
4 barriers to inclusive practice - and how to overcome them
As the government pushes for more children with SEND to be educated in mainstream schools, Zofia Niemtus looks at what needs to happen to make genuine inclusion a reality, outlining the key issues holding practice back
Tuesday
1st Jul 2025
DfE won’t end ‘effective’ SEND provision, says minister
Schools minister tells MPs that a decision on changes to education, health and care plans has not yet been made
DfE doesn’t know how many pupils will lose FSM
Government accused of ‘flying in the dark’ over the impact of its planned changes to eligibility for free school meals
Exclusive
Friday
27th Jun 2025
Cutting teachers’ contact time: councils highlight problems
Scottish local authorities are accused of ‘running down the clock’ on the government’s flagship policy of reducing teachers’ class-contact time
Trainees from overseas sleep in libraries and rely on food banks
International trainees and teachers are helping to tackle England’s recruitment crisis, but those who move here face huge obstacles. Cerys Turner explores why this is – and what should be done about it