Education updates you might have missed
From new Ofsted requirements for early education and childcare inspections to commitments being made to invest in a new teacher retention programme, there are several key legal updates that those working in the education sector should be aware of.
Joanne Davison, partner, and Ryan Douglas, paralegal, both in our education team, share the five education updates you might have missed.
1. School food standards
The Government has launched a consultation on proposed changes to the School Food Regulations 2014. The regulations provide the legislative framework that schools must follow to provide children with healthy food and drink.
The consultation opened on 13 April 2026 and closes on 12 June 2026.
2. Flexible working in schools
The Department for Education's Flexible Working Ambassador MATs and Schools (FWAMS) programme ended on 31 March 2026. The Government has committed in the white paper to invest in a new teacher retention programme from Autumn 2026. It is intended that the new programme will build on the flexible working programme for the sector.
In light of the FWAMS programme coming to an end, the Department for Education has updated its existing guidance on flexible working.
3. Ofsted requirements for Early Years provision
The Minister for Early Education has written to Ofsted's chief inspector to set out the necessary inspection requirements for early education and childcare inspections.
The Department for Education has updated its policy paper setting out the new requirements, which became effective on 1 April 2026.
4. Academy admission appeals complaints review
The Department for Education has published a report of data from the School Complaints Compliance Unit's review of complaints regarding the handling of academy admission appeals received between 1 April 2025 and 30 November 2025.
The report identifies a theme of maladministration as a common reason for complaints during the academic year.
5. A Safe, Informed Digital Nation
The Government has issued a policy paper, ‘A Safe, Informed Digital Nation’, on its plans to boost media literacy across the country.
Plans include updates to the national curriculum and funding boosts for technology and AI in schools.
For more information on anything discussed in this article, contact Joanne Davison using [email protected] or 0191 211 7958.