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The UK government has pledged £3 billion to create 50,000 new school places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), signalling a major step towards inclusive education. In addition to funding the creation of a number of new special schools this investment will fund calming spaces and breakout areas in mainstream schools, enabling pupils to receive tailored support through specialist classes while integrating into other classes where appropriate. A key aim is to bring provision closer to home. The initiative is expected to reduce long travel times and improve quality of life for families. Part of a wider strategy to meet rising demand, this commitment ensures every child can access high-quality education designed to meet their individual needs. Full plans will be outlined in the Schools White Paper expected in January 2026.

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New national Child Protection Authority

The UK government has unveiled plans for a new Child Protection Authority to strengthen safeguards for vulnerable children. This national body will provide oversight, identify emerging threats, and ensure accountability across agencies, addressing systemic failures highlighted by cases such as grooming gangs and the Sara Sharif tragedy. Backed by £65 million and aligned with the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, the authority is expected to improve data sharing, embed best practice, and tackle exploitation, abuse, and complex risks. A 12-week consultation is now open for comments on the plans and can be accessed here until 5th March.

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EYFS framework updated as of 5th January 2026

Key changes include revised quality requirements for independent schools, ensuring compliance with updated standards. The independent school notification template has been refreshed to align with Ofsted’s latest inspection framework and toolkit for non-association independent schools in England. These updates aim to provide clearer guidance and strengthen accountability across early years settings. DfE is encouraging providers to review the new documentation promptly to maintain compliance and uphold best practices. For full details, visit the official EYFS guidance on GOV.UK.

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Relationships and Sex Education Toolkit for the Post-16 Sector

The Department for Education has published revised statutory guidance on Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), and Health Education to prepare schools for implementation on 1 September 2026. This guidance applies to all relevant schools and also Colleges in England and sets out requirements under the Education Acts. Updates include clearer expectations for delivery strategies, cross-government resources, and regulations to support compliance. Affected organisations must have regard to this guidance and justify any departures from recommended practices. Further information can be found on GOV.UK and the toolkit can be found here.

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Ofsted expresses concern about the children’s homes sector

Published on 2 December 2025, Ofsted’s annual report includes a warning of profiteering in the children’s homes sector. Ofsted has noted a 15% rise in registrations masking issues of location, affordability, and suitability. A concentration of homes in cheaper housing areas suggests profit motives, while a shortage of specialist placements fuels a shadow market of unregistered homes. The report also highlights persistent educational challenges: severe absence rates nearly three times higher than pre-pandemic, rising exclusions, and widening attainment gaps for disadvantaged pupils. Ofsted’s renewed inspection framework now prioritizes inclusion, aiming to improve outcomes for vulnerable children across education and care. 

The annual report can be accessed here.

Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill

The Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill was presented to Parliament in December 2025. The bill amends existing legislation and seeks to strengthen UK regulations to protect critical digital infrastructure. It introduces stricter compliance for organisations managing sensitive data, requiring regular risk assessments, vulnerability testing, and robust incident response plans. Education providers and edtech vendors should benefit from the legislation through duties upon affected providers (which include larger managed services providers) placing a duty on those providers to ensure secure platforms, encryption, and supply chain resilience to meet the standards. Non-compliance could lead to penalties and reputational risk, while demand for cybersecurity solutions and compliance services will grow. This bill signals a shift toward higher accountability and resilience across all digital services including in education. For further advice or guidance on how this bill could affect your business, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of our Education team. 

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Education Committee seeks clarity on university insolvency

On 10 December 2025, the Education Committee published a letter to Higher Education Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith seeking urgent clarification on the Government’s interpretation of insolvency law for higher education providers. While the Department asserts that compulsory liquidation would allow continued trading and student support during teach-out, evidence from legal experts and sector bodies suggests immediate liquidation would halt teaching entirely. The Committee highlights this significant discrepancy and requests the legal basis for the Department’s stance to ensure clarity for universities and students. A response is expected by 19 December and will be published as supplementary evidence to the inquiry.

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