13/01/25Martyn Oliver on Ofsted reform: 8 things we learned

Ofsted chief inspector talks to education committee MPs on new report cards, safeguarding 'spot checks' and SEND worries

09/01/25Send is the 'biggest issue' for schools - Ofsted

Special educational needs and disabilities (Send) is the "biggest issue" affecting schools in England, Ofsted's chief inspector has said. Sir Martyn Oliver told the education committee that the Send system's high costs and poor outcomes represented a "lose-lose situation". Government figures for the 2023/24 academic year showed more than 1.6 million children had Send, an increase of 101,000 from 2023.

08/01/25Pupil behaviour 'getting worse' at schools in England, say teachers

Nearly one in five teachers in England has been hit by a pupil this year, a survey commissioned by the BBC says. One teacher told BBC News behaviour was a "never-ending battle". Another said spitting, swearing and chair-throwing were among the things happening often.

07/01/25A plan for better special needs assessment

John Wright highlights three improvements that parents and professionals should fight for with regard to the process for obtaining EHCPs for children