Education
Creating a country that works for all
Arianna Giovannini of IPPR North says that whichever party emerges as the winner on 13 December should prioritise rebalancing our national economy - creating a country that works for everyone.
Working with young people across Medway to reduce the number of NEET
Medway Council has achieved significant falls in the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET). Ian Sutherland explains how this has been achieved.
York’s rural champions
North Yorkshire CC has launched an independent rural commission, believed to be the first of its kind, to give a fresh perspective on the challenges faced by its deeply rural communities. Heather Jameson takes a look.
North Yorkshire expands commercial operations
North Yorkshire CC’s trading arm has acquired a company that will allow it to expand into the rest of Yorkshire and beyond.
MPs call for end to 'one-off' SEND inspections
Joint ‘one-off’ Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Ofsted inspections of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services should not continue, MPs have concluded.
Kent’s very own powerhouse
Cllr Paul Carter has stepped down as leader of Kent CC. Now he plans to apply his energies to local care and the vocational agenda, including apprenticeships. Ann McGauran reports
London trails East Midlands and South West in schools funding increases
The East Midlands and South West have emerged as the biggest winners from education budgets announced this week.
DfE’s children’s review stalled
A Department for Education (DfE) review to consider the role of councils in relation to children has been mothballed after its launch three years ago, The MJ has learned.
Ombudsman censures Bexley over response to complaint
Bexley LBC has come under heavy criticism from the Local Government Ombudsman after failing to make agreed improvements to school transport applications for disabled children.
Council chiefs in dark over 5G future, survey finds
Almost half of council chief officers are still unsure whether superfast 5G broadband will arrive in their area according to a survey by The MJ and BT.
Growing a city the holistic way
Chief executive of Belfast City Council Suzanne Wylie talks to Ann McGauran about the ambitious 20-year place-shaping community plan, prioritising inclusive growth, the Brexit factor, and more.
Prepare for the 5G revolution
Local authorities are aware 5G is imminent and could have a dramatic effect on their frontline services according to a survey by The MJ and BT, as Michael Burton reports.
High Court rejects call for judicial review on SEND spending
The High Court has dismissed a legal challenge from families seeking a judicial review to the Government’s funding of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Nine in 10 complaints about SEND provision upheld by Ombudsman
The Ombudsman is receiving more complaints about education, health and care plans (EHCP) than ever before – and the vast majority are being upheld.
Changing Tynes
Heather Jameson talks to Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor, about the main challenges facing the combined authority, the region’s devolution deal, and putting party politics to one side to work with the Northern Powerhouse minister.
London Boroughs adept at SEND, but with some disparity
London’s councils are generally adept at managing pupils with special educational needs (SEND), but there is significant disparity between the performance of some schools, a study has concluded.
London in skills devolution call
The capital has called on the Government to further devolve powers over skills funding.
The true value of showing your support
Cllr Izzi Seccombe outlines the benefits of a new recruitment and development scheme to help those in Warwickshire with special educational needs and disabilities gain entry to the workforce.
A flexible plan for every sick child
North Yorkshire CC is proposing to adopt a virtual school approach and more options for learning for those who can’t attend school because of medical needs. Jane le Sage explains the thinking behind the strategy.
Is this a sustainable first step away from austerity?
Andrew Burns says the Spending Round sent a strong positive signal, but short- and medium-term questions remain over funding – and the macroeconomic climate does little to put services back on a sustainable long-term path.