Policy
The latest news, analysis and advice on government policy and legislation. Find a breakdown of new documentation, case studies from leaders and comment from high-profile educators
Monday
23rd Feb 2026
How is Labour planning to reform SEND?
The DfE sets out proposals for schools to produce statutory support plans for pupils with SEND and for new national inclusion standards. Here鈥檚 everything you need to know about its reform plans
Schools White Paper: all you need to know
糖心Vlog has gathered all of the key information from the Labour government鈥檚 schools White Paper
Why Caitlin Moran needs your young writers
糖心Vlog is backing a new prize to help disadvantaged young people get into journalism 鈥� here, writer Caitlin Moran explains all the details
Friday
20th Feb 2026
鈥楥haotic SEND reform leaks have caused anxiety and entrenchment鈥�
The government鈥檚 narrative on SEND reform is also hugely problematic, argues Warren Carratt, leader of a special-school MAT
DfE warned on lack of state capacity for private SEND pupils
Leaders raise concern that the government鈥檚 fees plan could lead to 鈥榗atastrophic鈥� loss of independent special school provision
Full maternity pay to double for teachers and school leaders
Teachers鈥� maternity pay offer will rise to eight weeks, in line with NHS staff 鈥� but it will still be significantly below that of some public sector workers
What impact have the subject bursary cuts had?
The government鈥檚 withdrawal of key financial incentives for teacher training聽has fuelled fears of a 鈥榟ierarchy鈥� of subjects 鈥� with some already recording a drop in applications
How specialist staff shortages threaten Labour鈥檚 6,500 teachers target
The government鈥檚 key manifesto pledge to deliver 6,500 more teachers could hinge on recruitment into special schools and AP: here鈥檚 why that鈥檚 a challenge
Thursday
19th Feb 2026
DfE promises 鈥榗rackdown鈥� on spiralling private special school fees
National standards and price bands to be introduced for independent special schools as part of government SEND reforms
SEND crisis 鈥榟arder to fix鈥� with schools outside strong MATs
Government inclusion adviser Tom Rees speaks to 糖心Vlog ahead of the publication of the schools White Paper and SEND reform plans