Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Local Authorities”
Federations: What you need to know The introduction of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill into the House of Commons signals a significant shift in England’s education policy. It offers, prima facie, a renewed focus on collaboration, equity, and local governance. By empowering local authorities to open schools, ending the automatic academisation of failing schools, and the ‘concept of a plan’ …
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill:A Transformative Shift in English Education Policy The UK government this week unveiled its Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, a legislative proposal that has sent shockwaves of sorts through the sector, designed to reshape the landscape of education governance, teacher pay, school admissions, and children’s welfare in schools. Containing significant changes aimed at promoting equity, standardisation, …
Unregistered Alternative Provision: Challenges, Reforms, and the Future What is Unregistered AP? Unregistered AP typically caters to students who are unable to thrive in mainstream education settings due to behavioral issues, special educational needs, or other challenges. However, the absence of regulation and consistent standards has led to systemic weaknesses that place vulnerable children at risk. Unlike registered schools, these settings …
Ofsted’s New Look On 16 September 2024, significant changes to the Ofsted school inspection framework came into effect, aimed at increasing transparency and reducing pressure on school leaders. These changes were designed to address long-standing concerns about the inspection framework and to create a more supportive environment for school leaders and staff while maintaining accountability following widespread debate and feedback, particularly …
Bridget Phillipson Faces First Education Questions from MPs Bridget Phillipson and her ministerial team faced their first round of questions from MPs yesterday after Labour’s victory in the July election. The topics, centered around some of the most pressing issues in education today, included SEND education, the ongoing funding challenges, private schools, and the relationship between the government and teachers’ unions. …
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 …
Revolutionising School Funding in England In a thought-provoking and timely report released by the Confederation of School Trusts (CST) this month, the educational landscape in England is poised for a transformative shift through proposed reforms to school funding. Titled “Funding Futures”, this detailed document underscores the urgent need for a funding system that is both fair and sufficient, amidst a backdrop …
The Rising Cost of SEND Transport In recent years, councils across England have faced a significant financial challenge that has largely flown under the radar: the skyrocketing cost of providing school transport for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). A comprehensive investigation by the BBC has laid bare the extent of this issue, revealing a nearly doubled expenditure within …
SEND Deficits Prompt Funding Redirect In an unprecedented move highlighting the depth of the financial crisis facing Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) funding in the UK, more than 20 councils have received ministerial approval to redirect a total of £67 million from their schools’ budgets. This decision marks a significant shift from previous years, where such requests were largely denied, …
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 …