Articles
SEND reform and the Schools White Paper: implications for the further education sector
16 Mar 2026The Government’s Schools White Paper Every Child Achieving and Thriving (2026), alongside the wider SEND reform programme, represents one of the most significant proposed changes to SEND provision since the Children and Families Act 2014. While the policy narrative is largely school-focused, the reforms will have substantial legal and operational implications for the further education (FE) sector, which supports thousands of young people with SEND aged 16–25 as they transition into adulthood. The White Paper should lay the ground for improvement in young people's journeys through the education system into the future.
Employment Rights Act 2025: planning ahead for 2027 changes
16 Mar 2026Some of the most significant reforms in the Employment Rights Act 2025 (the Act) affecting school employers are expected to take effect in January 2027. These include restrictions on fire-and-rehire practices, a reduction in the qualifying period for unfair dismissal protection and the removal of the statutory compensation cap for unfair dismissal claims.
Taking a fresh look at governance with the updated Charity Governance Code
16 Mar 2026Looking ahead into 2026 as we see the first signs of Spring, Governors and independent school leaders may well have resolved to strengthen the foundations of their schools' through improved governance processes and behaviours. A great place to start would be the Charity Governance Code, recently updated in November 2025.
SEND reform: The White Paper, consultation and what schools need to know
12 Mar 2026The Government has published a Schools White Paper entitled "Every child achieving and thriving" and accompanying SEND reform consultation: Putting children and young people first, setting out what would represent the most significant restructuring of the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system since the Children and Families Act 2014.
Draft KCSIE 2026: The proposed changes
12 Mar 2026The Department for Education (DfE) has launched its consultation on draft Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 (KCSIE) statutory guidance. The final version is expected to be published on 1 September 2026 and to be in force from the start of the 2026/27 academic year.
The ISI complaints policy in review: How can association independent schools best approach making a complaint?
12 Mar 2026The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) plays a vital role in assuring quality and compliance in association independent schools across England.
