In a written question in the House of Commons, Labour MP Jim McMahon asked ministers what assessment has been made of the potential impact of new fee-paying and charity-run religious schools on community cohesion and social mixing among young people from different religious and ethnic backgrounds. Responding, children's minister Josh MacAlister acknowledged the "longstanding" role played by faith schools within the education system but said the government is not expecting their number to rise. "All schools have a vital role in promoting cohesion and are required to actively promote fundamental British values, which include mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs, essential for building a strong, cohesive society," he added. Hansard.

Conservative MSP Natasha Asghar submitted a written question in the Welsh Parliament, asking what discussions have been held with independent schools and charities regarding securing support for bursaries for care-supported children and young people. The Cabinet Secretary replied, saying no such discussions with independent schools or charities have been held, "However, my officials have engaged with the Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation (RNCSF) charity to understand how they match suitable educational opportunities available in the UK’s boarding and independent schools’ sector to vulnerable young people in care. The RNCSF was invited to attend our National Delivery Group for Care Experienced Children and Young People where they provided an overview of opportunities for children looked after to receive a fully funded bursary to attend an independent school, based on their individual needs and circumstances. Local authorities who attended the NDG were encouraged to contact the charity if they identified any children that might benefit from the opportunity offered." Welsh Parliament. 

Getting accountability right is a key area being looked at as part of the government’s planned SEND reforms, schools minister Georgia Gould has said. Ms Gould was taking part in an online panel discussion, the first event in a series organised by the Department for Education to engage with the public ahead of formal plans being launched next year. Asked whether schools would be held accountable for failing to make reasonable adjustments, something that often prompts parents to seek an education, health and care plan (EHCP), she responded: "Accountability is one of the big issues that comes [up] when I speak to families. Accountability of schools, but also accountability of local authorities and accountability of health services. Getting accountability right is a key part of the areas we are looking at." By John Roberts, Tes.

Families are to be given access to dedicated special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) professionals at new family hubs in a bid to identify children who need support before they start school, education secretary Bridget Phillipson has announced. Parents of babies and toddlers will be able to access specialist SEND support within the new Best Start Family Hubs, which will start to be rolled out from 2028 in councils across England and Wales. Under the new £500 million programme, local authorities will be expected to focus on locating the new hubs in the most deprived communities. By Richard Vaughan, iNews.

Brighton College Vietnam, which opened in August 2023, has brought the ethos of Brighton College to a new generation of learners overseas. In an interview with School Management Plus, head of college Carly Barber explains the school's core values and everyday culture. "We talk a lot about the Brighton DNA. Curiosity, confidence and kindness are not just words on a wall. They are visible in how pupils treat one another, how teachers approach lessons, and how our families engage with us," she says. Governance is jointly held by Brighton College and World Academy, with senior figures including Richard Cairns and Graeme Owton guiding strategic direction. 

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