Key education guidance updates you need to know
There have been some important developments to DfE guidance which you need to be aware of as we head into the new year.
Joanne Davison, partner, and Ryan Douglas, paralegal, both in our education team, summarise some of the key recent education guidance updates.
1. National SEND campaign
On 2 December 2025, the Government launched a new public engagement campaign on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The press release can be found on the Government’s website and sets out the Government’s commitment to make sure parents play a central role in helping shape the future of the SEND system.
A development group of key stakeholders, including SEND parent groups, will meet regularly with ministers up to the end of January to steer reform proposals.
This focus on SEND reflects what we expect to see in the upcoming White Paper, which we understand will be published in the new year.
2. SEND support through Best Start Family Hubs
On 3 December 2025, the Government confirmed that, as part of the Government’s pledge to roll out Best Start Hubs in every local authority next year, councils are being tasked with recruiting an all-new dedicated SEND practitioner in every hub to provide direct, family-facing support.
The aim is that this will act as a one-stop shop for the whole community – offering parents a range of support, including a menu of proven interventions, from child-focused speech and language sessions for toddlers to specialist parent and baby groups.
The press release can be found on the Government’s website.
3. Roadmap to improve attendance levels
On 12 November 2025, the Education Secretary announced a new roadmap set to tackle poor attendance across schools in the country.
Every school will now be set an individual minimum attendance improvement target, powered by artificial intelligence technology and data.
In addition, 36 new attendance and behaviour hubs have been launched to offer direct one-to-one support to tens of thousands of pupils.
4. FE governance guide
The FE corporation and sixth-form college corporation governance guide was updated in November 2025.
Updates include the new Ofsted inspection regime and changes to the role of the FE Commissioner.
It is crucial for FE organisations to keep up to date with the governance guide.
For more information on anything discussed in this article, contact Joanne Davison using [email protected] or 0191 211 7958.