In the news: your weekly round-up

Top stories

Unions demand greater scrutiny of how trusts manage school budgets. An investigation has found that schools are having up to 28% shaved off their budgets for trust central services [Schools Week].

Understand what it means to top-slice or GAG pool budgets and to pool reserves, and how trustees can make an informed decision.

Suspension and permanent exclusion rates are on the rise according to new data from the DfE. Spring 2023-24 figures saw a 12% increase in suspensions compared to the same period the previous year, with the north east of England having the highest rates [Tes magazine - subscription required].

Read a short summary of the rules around suspensions and exclusions, including the governing board's responsibilities.

7 ways parents/carers can support schools. Advice ranges from being a reading volunteer to supporting a parent teacher association (PTA), or becoming a school governor [The Guardian].

Follow these tips to create an advert and encourage parents/carers to stand for election to your governing board.

This week's headlines

•  Transgender guidance from the DfE to be released this year following Supreme Court ruling [Schools Week]
• Around 1 in 10 schools have withdrawn from the government’s breakfast clubs trial [Schools Week]
• Calls for Ofsted to pause reform work amidst wellbeing concerns [Schools Week]
• Recruiting 6,500 new teachers represents a “significant challenge”, according to DfE officials [Schools Week]
• Number of senior leaders aspiring to headship reaches record low [Tes magazine - subscription required]

Upcoming dates

Monday 5 May – May bank holiday

Tuesday 6 May – World Asthma Day

Thursday 8 May – GCSEs begin

Thursday 8 May – Victory in Europe (VE) day

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