Ofsted report

Ofsted Annual Report 2023/24: Driving Change in Education

PAG Staff2024, Article, Case Studies, DfE, Early Years, free schools, Governance, Policy, Schools, SEND

Ofsted’s Annual Report 2023/24: Driving Change in Education  The 2023/24 Ofsted Annual Report represents a transformative chapter in the evolution of England’s education and social care landscape. After a period of unease and scrutiny for the divisive organisation, and under the leadership of Sir Martyn Oliver, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, the report reflects the outcomes of the most extensive consultation …

Bridget Phillipson

Eight Key Takeaways from Bridget Phillipson’s First Sector Address

PAG Staff2024, Article, DfE, Early Years, free schools, Government reporting, Interview, Policy, Profiles, Schools

Eight Key Takeaways from Bridget Phillipson’s First Sector Address 1. Ofsted’s Expanded Role In her first live Q&A session with ther education sector, Bridget Phillipson emphasised integrating Ofsted’s school inspections with broader child services and promised a reform to the way inspections are scored and presented, as well as suggesting MATs will soon be inspected by the body.2. Curriculum Review …

Education policies

Major Parties’ Key Education Policies

PAG Staff2024, Article, Early Years, free schools, Inequalities, Leadership, Policy, Schools, SEND

The Major Parties’ Key Education Policies The UK general election is tomorrow, and education is a key issue for many voters up and down the country. Here’s a detailed roundup of the major parties’ key education policies, giving you a clear understanding of the parties addressing the issues vital to you.The Conservative Party The Conservative party is focusing it’s education …

SEND budgets

The Growing SEND Budget Crisis

PAG Staff2024, alternative provision, Article, Case Studies, DfE, Early Years, free schools, Fund, Local Authorities, Schools, SEND

The Growing SEND Budget Crisis Councils 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 …

ACDS Children's Services Blog Title Image

ACDS publishes updated children’s services policy paper

PAG Staff2024, Article, Attainment Gap, Case Studies, Early Years, Government reporting, Inequalities, Local Authorities, Policy, Schools

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 …

Early Years Wraparound Funding

Early Years Wraparound Care Funding for LAs

PAG Staff2023, Capacity Mapping, Early Years, Fund, Local Authorities, Schools

Early Years Wraparound Care Funding for Local Authorities The 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 …

The graphic says "childcare sufficiency assessments (CSA)" and has a drawing of children holding hands.

Childcare Sufficiency Assessments (CSAs)

PAG Staff2023, Article, Case Studies, Early Years

Childcare Sufficiency Assessments (CSAs) Overview At 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 …

PAG Profiles: Savannah Chapman

PAG Staff2023, Early Years, Interview, Profiles

Profiles: Savannah Chapman Meet Savannah… Savannah Chapman first joined PAG through the Kickstart scheme in December 2021 and has since progressed to associate consultant specialising in early years. She has a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education and Care and is currently studying for an MSc in Psychology. Originally from Stratford upon Avon, Savannah now lives in North Wales with …

PAG Explains: Childcare Sufficiency Assessment

PAG Staff2022, Article, Early Years, free schools, Policy, Schools

PAG Explains: Childcare Sufficiency Assessments PAG have undertaken full Childcare Sufficiency Assessments (CSAs) for over 30 Local Authorities in England and Wales. We have experience stretching back to the days of childcare audits in the early days of Sure Start and the Childcare Act 2006. As market leaders in the delivery of full CSAs, PAG’s expertise in assessing childcare markets …

SNP look to raise school starting age

PAG Staff2022, Article, Early Years

SNP look to raise school starting age SNP members have backed a motion to raise the school entry age for children to six years old. While advocating for a play-based kindergarten stage for three to six-year-olds, the new Scottish motion aims to implement a compulsory and universal care-centered provision. The UK is one of the few countries in Europe where …