Government Funded Childcare available
Free childcare will help working parents
From Monday 2nd September, working parents of children from 9-months-old will be able to access 15 hours of government-funded early education per week (subject to availability).
Parents of primary school aged children, new childcare places will be available before and after school, commencing a long-term process of reform to deliver an early education and childcare system from the end of parental leave to the end of primary school, boosting parents’ flexibility to work and live.
This kick starts the government’s plan to expanding to 30 funded hours from September 2025.
Further information can be found on the DfE website.
Single headline Ofsted ratings to scrapped
The current Ofsted single headline ratings are set to change
Single headline rating for schools will be scrapped with immediate effect to improve school standards and increase transparency for parents, the government has announced today (2 September 2024).
For inspections this academic year, parents will see four grades across the existing sub-categories: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership & management.
This reform commences the introduction of School Report Cards from September 2025, which will provide parents with a full and comprehensive assessment of school performance and ensure that inspections more effectively drive improvement. Recent data shows that reports cards are supported by 77% of parents.
Further information on this can be found on the DfE website.
Government to ban mobile phone use in schools
Children will no longer be able to use mobile phones at anytime during the school day
Mobile phones are to be banned in schools across England as part of the government’s plan to minimise disruption and improve behaviour in classrooms.
Guidance on mobile phones in schools (issued on 19 February 2024) supports headteachers in banning the use of mobile phones during the school day, including at break times.
According to Ofcom, at the age of 12, 97% of children have their own mobile phone. However, using mobile phones in schools can lead to online bullying, distraction and classroom disruption which, in turn, can lead to lost learning and potentially, exclusions.
Remembering Jonathan Bob-Amara
Jonathan Bob-Amara 18.07.68 - 20.12.23
Our former colleague, Jonathan Bob-Amara supported CEN for many years, both as a volunteer advocate and as a member of the CEN team.
Jonathan was held in dear affection by many of the parents and families whom he supported over the years, some of whom still ask for him when they contact CEN. As a colleague, Jonathan was popular, very supportive to other team members and a great team player.
We continue to wish Jonathan’s family our very best wishes.
Jenn Lewis
CEO
GOOD NEWS - WE'RE GETTING AN AWARD!
CEN received an award for Community Activism from NABSS (National Association of Black Saturday Schools). This award was in recognition of CEN's work within the community.The event took place on 4th January 2019.
Diversity In The Workplace
