Part of the solution
While eagerly awaiting the local government settlement at the end of 2024, Welsh councils were yet again called on to respond to widespread damage and disruption wrought by appalling weather conditions.
education
Reducing inequalities in early education
Improving take-up of the early education entitlement among disadvantaged children is key to meeting the government target of 75 per cent of five-year-olds being ‘ready to learn’ by 2028.
Home schooling register confirmed
The Government has announced it will introduce a register for children not in school, following years of lobbying by the LGA.
Learning on your doorstep
Councillors have a vital advocacy role in making their local adult and community education services the best they can be.
Young people ‘missing out on full-time education’
More than a million young people in England could be missing formal full-time education, fuelled by significant gaps in education legislation, rising child support needs and a lack of funding, according to a new LGA report.
‘Catch up’ tutoring for vulnerable pupils
A £1 billion COVID-19 ‘catch up’ package for school pupils, to tackle the impact of lost teaching time, has been announced by the Government.
SEND guidance issued after school closures
Children’s Minister Vicky Ford has written to councils and other partners, setting out the Government’s plans to ensure support can continue to be provided to children and young people with SEND following the closure of the UK’s schools.
Investing to improve
One of my most memorable experiences as Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council happened just a few weeks ago.
‘Suspend academy conversions’
Academy conversions should be suspended to help overstretched councils focus on supporting schools and nurseries to stay open, the LGA has said.