Government

One in four NI parents prefer non-integrated schools, survey finds

Almost a quarter of parents in Northern Ireland would prefer their child not to attend an integrated school, according to a survey by the Department of Education. The research found that 24% of parents favoured a non-integrated school, compared with 31.2% who preferred an integrated school and 37.3% who said…

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Government appoints youth panel on education and jobs access

The government has formed a panel of young people with experience of being out of education, employment and training to advise ministers on improving support for others in the same position. The Youth Guarantee Advisory Panel, comprising 17 members aged 18 to 24, will meet regularly to discuss barriers to…

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Govt to roll out 1,000 Best Start Family Hubs

The government has announced plans to roll out up to 1,000 Best Start Family Hubs across England by 2028, providing parents and young children with easier access to support services. The hubs, which will be introduced in every local authority by April 2026, aim to improve early development and school…

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ASN needs in Scotland deserve ‘fundamental rethink’, says NASUWT

The teaching union (NASUWT) has called for more government support when teaching those with additional needs in Scotland. According to the union, only 2% of teachers in Scotland say that the pupils they teach who have additional support needs (ASN) always receive the support they are entitled to. Over a…

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Gov to begin million-pound essential fixes for schools

The government has revealed that some 656 schools and sixth forms will benefit from a share of £470m for projects like fixing roofs and removing asbestos.  News comes from an announcement that almost £1.2bn worth of essential maintenance fixes for schools and hospitals are to be delivered during the 2025…

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Govt to up funded childcare to 30 hours a week from September

The government has announced that, from today (12 May), all eligible working parents of children who will be nine months old before 1 September can apply to access up to 30 hours of funded childcare a week, which is estimated to save them up to £7,500 a year per child.  …

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Breakfast clubs officially available at 750 UK schools

Some 750 schools have officially opened breakfast clubs today (22 April), offering 30 minutes of free childcare to families and a guaranteed healthy meal for kids before school starts.  The initiative means that parents will be able to save up to 95 additional hours and £450 per year if their…

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Starmer names Oli de Botton as expert adviser on education

The PM’s office has announced that Keir Starmer has appointed Oli de Botton as its “expert adviser” on education and skills, effective from Tuesday 22 April.  Following his appointment, de Botton will step down from his chief executive position of the Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC).  His deputy at the…

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Govt and GBE invests £200m in solar power for schools and NHS

The UK government and Great British Energy has announced a £200m investment to support new rooftop solar power and renewable schemes for hundreds of schools, NHS trusts and communities to save money on their energy bills.  The multi-million pound investment is part of the government’s Plan for Change, and is…

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Govt backs councils with £500m to restore family services

The government has pledged over £500m in funding for preventive services to drive restoration in family and parenting support across every English council.  This funding aims to build on the landmark Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to better support vulnerable children. Representing the single biggest piece of child protection legislation…

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