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The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

Department for Education

John Viner
16 January 2018

Another year, another education secretary

Unexpected departures and new arrivals at the DfE have brought the future of government education policy into question. Just as the profession was developing a good working relationship with a new secretary of state for education, we looked up and, instead of Justine Greening, found Damian Hinds...
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John Viner
30 August 2017

A new school year, a reshaped DfE?

The aftermath of the general election saw several top jobs in education change hands, but what hope does a revamped department give for the future? When Theresa May called the general election for June, Optimus asked me what my three wishes would be for future education policy. They were: to...
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Alex Masters
27 July 2015

DfE round-up week ending 27/7/15

From data security and pupil premium funding to post-16 education, the DfE released another raft of reports last week. Alex Masters offers a condensed version. Leadership and governance Advice: the DfE’s advice publications for schools and LAs which reflect the current legal position but may not...
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Gareth D Morewood
26 June 2014

New Code update – all go from September?

After much debate, concern and questions as to timeframes, the final Code has been laid before Parliament – all 271 pages of it! After a considerable wait the following documents have been published (source: Special Needs Jungle). A final 271-page draft of the SEN and Disability Code of Practice...
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Gareth D Morewood
17 April 2014

The new draft Code: important points for schools

Following on from my initial thoughts, from my work supporting SENCO colleagues and other schools I know these are areas that currently require a change in thinking. What the Code wants for young people 6.1 All children and young people are entitled to an education that enables them to make...
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Gareth D Morewood
17 April 2014

My initial thoughts about the new draft Code

So, we nearly have a new Code. Many would argue however, that with only the summer term to go, a lot of planning for September 2014 will already be in place. The key message from the DfE is that all guidance for schools (section 6) is not up for further consultation and schools can be confident...
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Gareth D Morewood
17 April 2014

Finally the new Code – well almost!

16 th April, two days before Good Friday and many SENCo colleagues are trying desperately to ‘switch off’. I know I have been, after some very lengthy half-terms and as ever, plenty on! However, whatever ‘down time’ you may have thought was yours became punctuated by an Open Consultation on a...
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