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Department for Education 

The Department for Education is responsible for children’s services and education, including early years, schools, higher and further education policy, apprenticeships and wider skills in England.

The articles below provide guidance and information directly from the DfE. 

 

Israel-Hamas Conflict:

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, the Minister for Schools and the Minister for Skills have written to schools and colleges (17 October 2023) to provide advice on how to respond to the Israel-Hamas conflict in the classroom. Read the post here

 

 

Why is school attendence important and what support is available?

School is the best environment for pupils to learn in. Being in school helps keep children safe and supports them to reach their potential, while being surrounded by teachers and friends.

The Department For Education are committed to tackling the factors causing children to miss school. Here, they tell you what you need to know about school attendance.  

Click here to read more about 'ghost children'.

 

Defibrillators: All state schools now have lifesaving equipment:
 
Having access to defibrillators in schools drastically increases the chance of pupils, teachers and visitors surviving a cardiac arrest.
 
Teachers and pupils across the country can be reassured they will have access to this life saving equipment, as all state schools now have a defibrillator on school grounds.
 
Click here to find out what you need to know about this crucial roll out.
 
 
 
What are reasonable adjustments and how do they help disabled pupils at school?
 
All pupils should be helped to fulfil their potential. Reasonable adjustments can help level the playing field by minimising the disadvantages that pupils with disabilities might face compared with their peers.  On Neurodiversity Celebration Week and Sign Language Week, we tell you everything you need to know about reasonable adjustments and how they can help disabled pupils in schools. Read the new post.
 
 
 
How we are ensuring boys and girls have the same opportunities for school sport
 

Being active can have a hugely positive impact on children’s physical and mental health.

That’s why we’re setting out how important it is for all pupils to have access to at least two hours of PE and school sport per week. Announced on International Women’s Day, our plans also make it clear that girls and boys should be able access the same sports.  Download the full report.

 

How we’re safeguarding students and learners from radicalisation

Education settings play an important role in keeping young people safe from different forms of harm, including from substance abuse, gangs, neglect and sexual exploitation. 
 
All schools and registered childcare providers are required to help prevent the risk of people supporting terrorism or become terrorists. This is known as the Prevent duty. Read the post here.
 
 
 
Vaccines for students: how to get up to date
 

Research shows that around 1 in 8 new students starting university or college this year are unprotected against 4 deadly types of meningitis capable of causing serious health complications. 

It’s really important that all students make sure they’re up to date with all free routine NHS vaccines and get to know the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. It could help save a life. Read the new post.

 

 

British Sign Language GCSE: Everything you need to know

Students will soon be able to study British Sign Language (BSL) as a GCSE following a consultation into the course content. Good communication is essential both inside and outside the workplace and this new GCSE will give students a vital life skill valued by employers.

The introduction of the new GCSE is in part thanks to 17-year-old, Daniel Jillings, who has campaigned for the qualification since the age of 12. As well as being the focus of an Award-winning documentary film, Daniel recently addressed more than 20 MPs in his first language, BSL. Click here to read more about this new and historic qualification.  



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