Statutory Bodies
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The Department for Education (DfE) was formed on 12 May 2010 and is responsible for education and children's services.
The new minsterial team at the DfE is lead by Michael Gove, the Secretrary of State for Education.
All statutory guidance and legislation linked to from this site continues to reflect the current legal position unless indicated otherwise, but may not reflect Government policy.
On the 18th May a DfE spokesperson stated: "The Government is committed to a full comprehensive spending review in the autumn and ministers will shortly be considering spending priorities."
The DfE has not yet made a decision on Building Schools for the Future (BSF) funding or any other capital programmes. The Government is committed to a full comprehensive spending review in the autumn and ministers will shortly be considering their spending priorities, which will take into account all areas of spending including school capital.
On the 20th May, the Government released "The Coalition: Our Programme for Government" which sets out the Government's plans for the next five years. The programme reflects the Government's values of freedom, fairness and responsibility.
You can download the document in full here, or download the section on Schools.
Get all the very latest news from the DfE.
Their particular statement regarding special schools is: 'We believe the most vulnerable children deserve the very highest quality of care. We will improve diagnostic assessment for schoolchildren, prevent the unnecessary closure of special schools, and remove the bias towards inclusion.'
Early intervention: Key to giving disadvantaged children the opportunities they deserve.
An independent commission into early intervention, which aims to ensure that children at greatest risk of multiple disadvantage get the best start in life, will be chaired by Graham Allen MP, confirmed Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith and Children’s Minister, Sarah Teather, in an announcement today.
Early intervention can provide children with the social and emotional support needed to help fulfil their potential and break the cycles of underachievement which blight some of our poorest communities. The commission will look at and recommend the best models for early intervention and advise on how these could be extended to all parts of the country. It will also consider how such schemes could be supported through innovative funding models, including through non-Government streams. Read more... (DfE - 28 July 2010)
The report, Early Intervention: Good Parents, Great Kids, Better Citizens, can be downloaded here.
Since the formation of the new Government on the 11th May 2010, please bear in mind that the content on a number of old DCSF websites may not reflect current Government policy.
Contact:
Tel: 0870 000 2288
Web: www.education.gov.uk
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- Every Child Matters is a shared programme of change to improve outcomes for all children and young people. It takes forward the Government's vision of radical reform for children, young people and families.
Since the formation of the new Government on the 11th May 2010, please bear in mind that the content on this website may not reflect current Government policy.
In 2003, the Government published a Green Paper called Every Child Matters alongside the formal response to the report into the death of Victoria Climbié. After a thorough consultation process, the Children Act 2004 became law. This legislation is the legal underpinning for Every Child Matters, which sets out the Government’s approach to the well-being of children and young people from birth to age 19.
The aim of the Every Child Matters programme is to give all children the support they need to:
* be healthy
* stay safe
* enjoy and achieve
* make a positive contribution
* achieve economic well-being.
The Every Child Matters agenda has been further developed through publication of the Children's Plan in December 2007. The Children's Plan is a ten-year strategy to make England the best place in the world for children and young people to grow up. It places families at the heart of Government policy, taking into account the fact that young people spend only one-fifth of their childhood at school. Because young people learn best when their families support and encourage them, and when they are taking part in positive activities outside of the school day, the Children's Plan is based around a series of ambitions which cover all areas of children's lives.
The Plan aims to improve educational outcomes for children, improve children's health, reduce offending rates among young people and eradicate child poverty by 2020, thereby contributing to the achievement of the five Every Child Matters outcomes.
Contact:
Tel: 087 0000 2288
Email: info@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk
Web: www.dcsf.gov.uk/everychildmatters
- Teachernet (What you need... when you need it) has been developed by the Department for Children, Schools and Families as a resource to support the education profession.
Special Educational Needs and Disability - It is the ambition of the special educational needs (SEN) and disability division that every child with SEN reaches their full potential in school, and can make a successful transition to adulthood and the world of further and higher education, training or work.
To promote the welfare and interests of disabled children, and to improve the support they receive, this area of the site provides a wide range of SEN and disability advice and materials for teachers, parents, local authorities (LAs) and others working with children with SEN in England.
You will find information about implementing disability discrimination legislation in schools and about Aiming High for Disabled Children here.
Among others, this site may prove valuable for parents, carers, schools, SEN governors, teachers, professionals and learning assistants.
Since the formation of the new Government on the 11th May 2010, please bear in mind that the content on this website may not reflect current Government policy.
Contact:
Tel: 0870 000 2288
Web: www.teachernet.gov.uk
Special Educational Needs and Disability: www.teachernet.gov.uk/wholeschool/sen
Teaching and Learning: www.teachernet.gov.uk/teachingandlearning
Online Publications For Schools: http://publications.teachernet.gov.uk
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The Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) is the national agency and recognised sector body responsible for the training and development of the school workforce.
We play a central role in supporting the workforce to help children and young people meet the outcomes of the Every Child Matters agenda. Our guiding vision is: developing people, improving young lives.
Since the formation of the new Government on the 11th May 2010, please bear in mind that the content on this website may not reflect current Government policy.
Contact:
Tel: 0870 496 0123
Email: corporatecomms@tda.gov.uk
Web: www.tda.gov.uk
Here you will find a wealth of supportive programmes, resources and information provided by The National Strategies to help you enrich the experience of children from every ability and age range, as well as leadership, inclusion and CPD materials. Browse the wide range of e-newsletters, case studies and advice by selecting an area or using the Quick search.
Join our network and connect with like-minded professionals to share and gather ideas. As a registered user you will be able to take part in group discussions and rate and comment on materials. By creating a profile you can personalise your workspace to ensure you see what you want, when you want it. Register on-line to get started.
Since the formation of the new Government on the 11th May 2010, please bear in mind that the content on this website may not reflect current Government policy.
Contact:
Tel: 01189 182839
Email: enquiries@nationalstrategies.co.uk
Web: http://nationalstrategies.standards.dcsf.gov.uk
Latest News - It has been announced by the new coalition government that the QCDA is to close. Please bear this in mind whilst reviewing information that is still available on the QCDA website.
The Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA) will be at the heart of England's education system. Our job will be to develop the curriculum, improve and deliver assessments, and review and reform qualifications.
Our job will be to develop the curriculum, improve and deliver assessments, and review and reform qualifications. We want to make sure that everyone can get the knowledge, skills and qualifications they need for life in the 21st century.
Contact:
Tel: 0300 303 3010
Email: info@qcda.gov.uk
Web: www.qcda.gov.uk
Latest News - It has been announced by the new coalition government that the QCDA is to close. Please bear this in mind whilst reviewing information that is still available on the QCDA website.Welcome to the National Curriculum online
A site packed with guidance and tools to help schools design a curriculum that inspires and challenges all their learners. Our National Curriculum sets out the knowledge and skills that are important for our children to become successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens. Schools bring learning to life, raise aspirations and help children meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Contact:
Tel: 0300 303 3010
Info: info@qcda.gov.uk
Web: http://curriculum.qcda.gov.uk
The 'National Organisation for PRUs' Steering Group' was originally established in, and following Government legislation in 2009/2010, the organisation has been renamed from prus.org.uk to ssschools.org.uk.
The key objectives of the Organisation are to:
- improve the quality of educational provision for pupils at risk of social exclusion
- support a range of education personnel working in or with PRUs
- promote the work of teachers in PRUs at national level
- identify and discuss common issues and disseminate relevant information
- identify and share best practice
- promote multi-agency strategies and approaches
- increase professional development opportunities for teachers working in PRUs
- provide opportunities for PRUs to self-evaluate their work
- provide a means of consulting teachers working in PRUs regarding future government policy and practice in this area
- provide more effective opportunities for PRU teachers to negotiate improvement in their working conditions
- encourage the development of creative and innovative approaches in working with young people with a range of complex social and emotional needs
Contact:
Organisation: www.ssschools.org.uk/pages/organisation.html
Web: www.ssschools.org.uk
The Department of Health (DOH) exists to improve the health and wellbeing of people in England.
The Department of Health is committed to improving the quality and convenience of care provided by the NHS and social services.
Its work includes setting national standards, shaping the direction of health and social care services and promoting healthier living.
Contact:
Web: www.dh.gov.uk
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) leads the Government's response to some of the biggest issues facing the country - welfare and pension reform - and is a key player in tackling child poverty. It is the biggest public service delivery department in the UK and serves over 20 million customers.
DWP plays a vital role in making a difference to millions of people in Great Britain every day, helping them to lead safer, fairer and more rewarding lives, free from poverty.
Contact:
Web: www.dwp.gov.uk
Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. We regulate and inspect to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages.
We want to raise aspirations and contribute to the long term achievement of ambitious standards and better life chances for service users. Their educational, economic and social well-being will in turn promote England's national success.
To achieve this we will report fairly and truthfully; we will listen to service users and providers; and we will communicate our findings with all who share our vision, from service providers to policy-makers. We do not report to government ministers but directly to Parliament. This independence means you can rely on us for impartial information.
Contact:
Tel: 08456 404045
Email: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk
Web: www.ofsted.gov.uk
The Directgov is the website of the UK government for its citizens, providing information and online services for the public all in one place.
Directgov aims to provide easy access to government information and services. It does this by working closely with ministerial departments and non-departmental public bodies to collate key information all in one place.
Contact:
Web: www.direct.gov.uk
Contacts: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/index.htm
Education and Learning: www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/index.htm
Latest News - It has been announced by the new coalition government that Becta is to close by November 2010. Please bear this in mind whilst reviewing information that is still available on the Becta website.
Becta leads the national drive to inspire and lead the effective and innovative use of technology throughout learning.
Becta's role is to ensure that technology is used at its best in the British education system. We work to make sure technology is used effectively – maximising the gains to our teachers and learners.
We also work to make sure technology is used efficiently – so that we achieve the greatest benefits for the least cost, and save money for the system.
We work mainly with the Government departments within DCSF (Department for Children Schools and Families) and BIS (Business innovation and Skills).
Contact:
Tel: 024 7641 6994
Email: customerservices@becta.org.uk
Web: www.becta.org.uk
- The Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) - Their mission is building a dynamic and competitive UK economy by: creating the conditions for business success; promoting innovation, enterprise and science; and giving everyone the skills and opportunities to succeed. To achieve they will foster world-class universities and promote an open global economy.
Sustainable economic growth is the Government’s number one priority – and so it’s also where BIS is very much focused at the moment.
BIS was created to bring all of the levers of the economy together in one place. Their policy areas – from skills and higher education to innovation and science to business and trade policy – can all help to drive growth.
Growth will not only mean prosperity and jobs – but also bring money back into the economy, helping to safeguard future public services and reduce the deficit.
Moving to create renewed growth and opportunity, BIS has published Going for Growth: Our Future Prosperity.
This builds on the active, strategic approach to industrial policy outlined in the Government's New Industry, New Jobs strategy and outlines how BIS will continue to work across Government to drive growth in core capabilities such as enterprise and knowledge.
BIS will make sure Government plays its part alongside the market to capitalise on new opportunities in emerging technologies and sectors – the new industries and new jobs of the future.
Contact:
Contact Us: www.bis.gov.uk/contact-us
Web: www.bis.gov.uk
- The Skills Funding Agency is an agency of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
Our job is to fund and regulate adult FE and skills training in England. We are part of a network of organisations in the country who commission, manage and market training for adults. Our mission is to ensure that people and businesses can access the skills training they need to succeed in playing their part in society and in growing England’s economy. We do this in the context of policy set by BIS and informed by the needs of businesses, communities and regions, and sector and industry bodies.exists to make England better skilled and more competitive.
We invest public spending - £4 billion per year - in colleges and training organisations to fund training for adults in England. The training is mainly to improve skills so that people can do their jobs better, get new jobs, or progress in their careers.
We work to an annual budget, targets and priorities set by the Government’s Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) through the Skills Investment Strategy, published each autumn. It’s the responsibility of many organisations in our sector to influence and inform this strategy.
We work at a ‘short arm’s length’ from BIS, allowing a fast and effective response to policy, while reinforcing the autonomy of the FE sector.
Contact:
Tel: 0845 377 5000
Email: info@skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk
Web: http://skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk/
National College
The National College for Leadership of Schools and Children’s Services works to develop and inspire great leaders of schools, early years settings and children’s services so that they can make a positive difference to children’s lives.
Membership of the National College gives access to unrivalled development and networking opportunities, professional support and leadership resources.
Our Goals
We have four goals. These are set out in more detail in our corporate plan.
- Inspiring new leaders: identifying, inspiring and developing future leaders to sustain the supply of talent.
- Providing great leadership development: giving all leaders the expertise they need to become great leaders by providing guidance and support tailored to individual needs, access to knowledge and resources, and unrivalled leadership development and networking opportunities.
- Empowering successful leaders: harnessing the expertise of the best leaders to drive improvement beyond their own schools and organisations.
- Shaping future leadership: supporting leaders to adapt the way they work to meet changing demands, influencing policy and advising government.
Since the formation of the new Government on the 11th May 2010, please bear in mind that the content on this website may not reflect current Government policy.
To find out more about the National College, please see our contact details below:
Contact:
Tel: 0845 609 0009
Email: enquiries@nationalcollege.org.uk
Web: www.nationalcollege.org.uk
- Policy Exchange is an independent, non-partisan educational charity. We work with academics and policy makers from across the political spectrum. We are particularly interested in free market and localist solutions to public policy questions.
How we work -
Detailed ideas with practical impact
Policy Exchange is research-led and evidence-based. We put more effort than other think tanks into developing properly grounded research and detailed, costed proposals. We propose policies that politicians can actually implement and we think strategically about the next steps to take – rather than proposing visionary schemes with no chance of being adopted. For example, our work on credible energy policy looks in detail at how to deliver reform in a cost-effective way.
Policy Exchange is also conducting a survey into special schools training requirements. Please download the appropriate survey form.
When completed, please email the completed survey form to Ralph Hartley at the Policy Exchange - ralph.hartley@policyexchange.org.uk
Teacher Expertise for SEN
The first report produced by Policy Exchange is now available...
Special schools are suffering from a desperate shortage of teachers trained to deal with pupils with special needs. A recent survey by Policy Exchange revealed that just 5 per cent of special schools found it easy to recruit teachers with the right training.
The research note produced by Policy Exchange recommends that all teachers should receive at least some SEN training as part of their initial training and that teachers in specialist roles should have or be working towards specialist qualifications specifically relevant to the needs of the children they are teaching.
The research note was published in July 2010 and you can download a PDF version of the Teacher Expertise for SEN document.
If you would like a hard copy of this report priced at £4 + £1p&p then please send an email to: janet.batterbee@policyexchange.org.uk
A second report will be coming in due course.
Read more...
To find out more, see our contact details below:
Contact:
Tel: 0207 340 2650
Fax: 0207 222 5859
Email: www.policyexchange.org.uk/contact
Web: www.policyexchange.org.uk
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- The Key provides expert, practical and time-saving information in direct response to school leaders' questions.
The Key is an information and support service for leaders of maintained schools in England. We provide practical, expertly researched and time-saving answers to questions about leadership and management in schools.
Members of The Key can access a growing online database of more than 1,800 articles. If you can’t find the answer to your question, you can ask The Key’s team of expert researchers to create an article for you within 3 working days.
With new articles being added daily to our online knowledge base, The Key shares knowledge and best practice among school leaders, so you don’t have to keep reinventing the wheel.
From pilot to nationwide subscription service
The pilot service for The Key was developed between 2005 and 2008 by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) and the National College for Leadership of Schools and Children’s Services.
In 2009, The Key became an independent service, available on a subscription basis.
Contact:
Tel: 08000 89 00 52
Email: www.usethekey.org.uk/contact-us
Web: www.usethekey.org.uk
The Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) leads change so that the thousands of people and volunteers working with children and young people across England are able to do the best job they possibly can.
We want England’s children and young people’s workforce to be respected by peers and valued for the positive difference it makes to children, young people and their families.
We advise and work in partnership with lots of different organisations and people who all want the lives of all children and young people to be healthy, happy and fulfilling.
Contact:
Tel: 0116 2991122
Contact: www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/contact/contact_us
Web: www.cwdcouncil.org.uk