In the news: your weekly round-up

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The DfE has published the Academy Trust Handbook (ATH), and the academy trusts and maintained schools governance guides for 2025. Updates to the ATH include new guidance on dealing with ransomware demands, and transparency around expectations for the digital and technology standards. The governance guides updates include clarity around mental health and wellbeing responsibilities [Schools Week]. 

Read our Academy Trust Handbook and governance guides need-to-knows, so you understand the key changes for September 2025.

Concerns have been raised by the education charity, The Difference, about the number of children attending alternative provision (AP) sites within mainstream school settings. Its report highlights the expansion of internal AP as a way to deal with increased truancy and pupils struggling with being in the classroom [Tes magazine - subscription required].

Get to grips with how to review your behaviour policy to help you understand what to look for and effective questions to ask school leaders.

Unions are urging Bridget Phillipson to delay Ofsted inspections under the new framework until 2026. Leaders of the NEU, NASUWT, ASCL and the NAHT co-signed a letter highlighting the “unacceptable pressure” and negative impact that a 2025 roll-out could have on schools and staff [Schools Week].

Refresh your memory of the key proposed changes to Ofsted inspections, so you’re prepared for the changes.

This week's headlines

• Leaders could be asked by unions to quit their roles as Ofsted inspectors [Schools Week]

• Retention payments not effective at retaining staff, new study finds [Schools Week]

• All teachers work beyond their contracted hours, according to a survey by the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA) [Tes magazine – subscription required]

• Academy trust raises concerns about the use of funds to court new schools [Schools Week]
  
  

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