Category: Education

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Special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities: guidance for school governing boards

In January 2025, the Department for Education (DfE) released updated guidance to assist school governing boards in effectively supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and disabilities. This guidance emphasises the board’s role in fostering an inclusive school culture and ensuring compliance with legal duties.

Governing boards are encouraged to regularly review the school’s SEN and disability policies, ensuring they align with the evolving needs of the student body. Active engagement with parents and pupils is seen as vital, promoting effective communication and incorporating their perspectives into policy development.

To access this guidance click here.

A key aspect of the guidance is the recommendation for governors to utilise a comprehensive checklist to assess the school’s SEN provisions. This includes evaluating how the school identifies pupils with SEN, monitors their progress, and supports their preparation for adulthood. Additionally, boards should ensure that SEN Coordinators (SENCOs) are adequately qualified and have sufficient resources to fulfill their responsibilities.

The guidance also highlights the importance of data analysis, advising boards to examine various metrics such as the percentage of pupils with SEN, the effectiveness of SEN funding allocation, and the impact of interventions on pupil outcomes. By scrutinising this data, governors can make informed decisions to enhance SEN support within their schools.

By adhering to this updated guidance, governing boards can play a pivotal role in ensuring that pupils with SEN and disabilities receive the support they need to thrive academically and personally.

If you would like to discuss how to your academy school or trust might optimally address SEN (or indeed, to have a basic and more general chat about what I do) please contact me at jack@jackminto.com or on 017514 499238 for a preliminary discussion.

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Revised DfE governance guides

In March 2024, the Department for Education (DfE) introduced two comprehensive governance guides, replacing the previous Governance Handbook. These new guides are tailored separately for maintained schools and academy trusts, aiming to provide clear, concise, and role-specific guidance to enhance governance practices across educational institutions. The guidance has been updated in early October 2024.

The Maintained Schools Governance Guide is designed for governors, senior leaders, governance professionals, and associate members within local authority-maintained schools, including special and nursery schools. It offers structured guidance on various aspects of governance, such as effective leadership, strategic planning, accountability, and compliance. The guide emphasises the importance of setting a clear vision, engaging with stakeholders, and maintaining robust oversight of school performance.

To access this guidance click here.

Similarly, the Academy Trust Governance Guide caters to trustees, executive leaders, local committee governors, governance professionals, and academy trust members. It addresses the unique governance structures and challenges within academy trusts, providing insights into strategic leadership, governance frameworks, and compliance obligations. The guide underscores the significance of a strong governance culture, effective delegation, and continuous evaluation to drive educational excellence.

To access this guidance click here.

A notable change in these guides is the introduction of “must” and “should” directives. Statements labeled as “must” denote mandatory legal requirements, while “should” indicates recommended best practices. This distinction aims to clarify statutory obligations and promote high standards of governance. Additionally, the previously separate statutory policies list has been integrated into the final section of each guide, streamlining access to essential policy information.

By releasing these updated guides, the DfE seeks to support governing bodies in navigating their roles effectively, ensuring that all educational institutions are well-equipped to provide high-quality education and uphold strong governance standards.

If you would like to discuss how to your maintained school or academy school or trust might address meeting the requirements of these guides (or indeed, to have a basic and more general chat about what I do) please contact me at jack@jackminto.com or on 017514 499238 for a preliminary discussion.

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Ofsted Inspection Handbook – Update

Ofsted have (1st October 2021) updated their Inspection Handbook.  The Handbook describes the main activities carried out during inspections of maintained schools and academies in England (under section 5 of the Education Act 2005) and sets out the evaluation criteria that inspectors use to make their judgements and on which they report.

Although written primarily as guidance for Inspectors, the Ofsted Inspection Handbook is essential reading for governors and trustees.

To access the Ofsted Inspection Handbook click here.

If you would like to discuss how to your academy school or trust might optimally plan for an Ofsted Inspection (or indeed, have a basic and more general chat about what I do) please contact me at jack@jackminto.com or on 017514 499238 for a preliminary discussion.