EPI: ‘An evidence review into the length of the school day’Assessing England’s School DayIn February 2024, the Education Policy Institute (EPI) published a pivotal report titled “An evidence review into the length of the school day,” examining the potential impacts of extending school hours in England. This paper was prompted by the UK government’s 2022 white paper “Opportunity for all: …
ACDS publishes updated children’s services policy paper In a compelling update to its 2017 policy position paper, “A Country That Works for All Children,” the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ACDS) has released a new policy paper that serves as both a reflection on the past seven years and a fervent call to action. This latest document underscores the persistent …
The Trust Capacity Fund (TCaF)The Department for Education’s Trust Capacity Fund (TCaF) is designed to support the growth and development of academy trusts in England, offering financial assistance for trusts to enhance their capacity for managing more schools effectively. This funding aims at encouraging trusts to expand and improve, particularly by taking on underperforming schools in areas of high need, …
Government introduces newteaching apprenticeshipsThis autumn marks a revolutionary shift in the landscape of teacher training, recruitment, and education with the launch of a new teacher degree apprenticeship program. Aimed at transforming the way schools recruit teachers, this initiative is designed to support individuals who wish to earn while they study for a degree, offering a high-quality, alternative route into the …
The Emergency School Improvement Fund (ESIF) Explained The Emergency School Improvement Fund (ESIF) from the Department for Education (DfE) is a crucial fund for schools to address challenges that demand immediate intervention. It is designed to offer financial support to schools that are facing unexpected or imminent failure in various areas such as leadership, governance, safeguarding, human resources, and finance.What is …
House of Lords 11-16 Education Report and Government Response Education for 11–16 Year Olds Committee Report In a 2023 report titled ‘Requires Improvement: Urgent Change for 11-16 Education’, a House of Lords Committee outlined relatively severe reforms it felt were urgently needed to improve the standards of 11-16 year olds’ education, with particular reference to the digital and green economies. A brief …
Kreston Reeves UKAcademies Benchmark Report 2024The Kreston Reeves UK Academies Benchmark Report for 2024 presents an in-depth analysis of the financial health and operational challenges facing academy trusts across the United Kingdom. The report, which draws on data from nearly 300 Trusts and over 2,300 schools, offers a comprehensive overview of the sector’s current state, highlighting the resilience and challenges …
DfE Updates ESFA Guidance The DfE recently updated it’s information and guidance on the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). Please keep reading below for a summary of the key additions and changes. If you’re interested in funding for your school or trust, PAG has a significant history of supporting our clients to secure funding and would be delighted to speak …
Free Schools – S10 Statutory Consultations The statutory consultation process under Section 10 (S10) of a free school bid plays a crucial role in shaping the future of these educational institutions. In this blog post, we will delve into the significance of S10 statutory consultations, exploring their purpose, key elements, and the broader implications for stakeholders. Understanding Free Schools and S10 Consultations: Free …
Early Years Wraparound Care Funding for Local AuthoritiesThe DfE has published guidance and timelines for local authorities (LA), outlining its plans for changes to early years wraparound care funding and how it is utilised. The national wraparound childcare programme is part of the childcare reforms announced at the 2023 Spring Budget. The government’s ambition is that by 2026, all parents …