Multi-Academy Trusts: Trends and Insights from 2023-24In recent years, Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) in the UK have navigated through mixed signals regarding their growth and expansion. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the MAT program, a somewhat divisive Conservative invention, the new Labour government’s stance is leaning towards a focus on raising educational standards rather than structural changes en masse. Even so, there …
What Labour’s victory could mean for education policy
What Labour’s victory could mean for education policyWith the projected Labour victory seemingly all but confirmed after yesterday’s General Election, a new government means a shift towards new policies. Below we take a look at the education policy Labour laid out while on the campaign trail; from the controversial plan to tax independent schools to delivering free breakfast clubs for …
The Growing SEND Budget Crisis
The Growing SEND Budget CrisisCouncils across England are facing alarming shortfalls in their SEND budget, critical for supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The BBC recently uncovered that councils predict a deficit nearing £1 billion in funds allocated for these students. This shortfall is exacerbated by increasing demands and mounting financial pressures on local authorities.Escalating Deficits and …
AI in Education
AI in EducationArtificial intelligence (AI) is making significant inroads into the UK’s educational landscape. According to a recent Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) survey, about half of the educators in the UK are leveraging AI tools such as ChatGPT and Google Bard for various aspects of their teaching. This surge in AI usage is transforming educational practices, both offering promising opportunities …
School Pilot Aims to Boost Pupil Wellbeing and Social Skills
School Pilot Aims to Boost Pupil Wellbeing and Social Skills All Saints Catholic College, located near Ladbroke Grove in North Kensington, is launching a 10-week pilot program that aims to extend school hours and ban phones in an effort to improve pupil wellbeing and enhance communication skills. The initiative, designed to somewhat mimic a “private school service” at a fraction of …
Academy Conversions & MAT Formation
Academy Conversions & MAT Formation In the last decade, the landscape of the English education system has undergone significant transformations, with a prominent shift towards the conversion of traditional state schools into academies, and the formation of multi-academy trusts (MATs). This movement has reshaped the way education is managed and delivered, offering a new paradigm that promised enhanced autonomy, tailored educational …
Children’s Homes: A PAG Report
Children’s Homes:A PAG Report The landscape of children’s social care in England is evolving, with the government committing significant resources to expand and improve children’s home placements. Using publicly available data and studies, and our own experience and expertise, PAG has produced a report titled ‘Establishing Children’s Homes’, looking into what it takes to successfully establish and operate a children’s home …
ACDS publishes updated children’s services policy paper
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 …
Childcare Sufficiency Assessments (CSAs)
Childcare Sufficiency Assessments (CSAs)OverviewAt PAG, one influential service we offer is support with Childcare Sufficiency Assessments (CSAs). Since our formation in 2015, we’ve undertaken CSAs for 30 local authorities (LAs) throughout England and Wales and have experience which stretches back to childcare audits in the early days of Sure Start and the Childcare Act 2006. Local authorities have a crucial …
Play Sufficiency Assessments (PSA)
PSA: Play Sufficiency AssessmentOverviewIn 2022, PAG was commissioned by two Welsh local authorities, Pembrokeshire County Council and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, to conduct Play Sufficiency Assessments (PSAs) to evaluate the quality, sufficiency, and quantity of play areas for children in Pembrokeshire and Merthyr Tydfil. PSAs are designed to help ensure children from 0-17 have accessible, high-quality, diverse play areas …