The DfE has responded to a petition calling for statutory guidance to prevent schools from removing break times as punishment for neurodivergent children, particularly those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and similar cognitive conditions. While the government reaffirmed that headteachers are responsible for behaviour policies, it acknowledged the need for tailored support and stated it is working with experts on SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) reforms. The petition, which highlights the importance of outdoor play for children with ADHD, has gained over 29,800 signatures and could be debated in Parliament if it reaches 100,000. By Lauren Haughey, Daily Express. 

The family of a Worcestershire schoolboy with SEND has told BBC News he is being overlooked by the local council regarding his education. Joseph, who is 15 and has autistic spectrum disorder and severe anxiety, currently attends N-Able in Worcester but is being directed to a different college, which his mother argues is unsuitable. Describing their struggle, his mother Emma said the family had repeatedly explained why the arrangement would not work. She added: "We pleaded and listed all the reasons why the placement wasn't right, but more importantly my son gave his wishes and views and they have been completely ignored."

Pupils' ability to learn could be damaged by becoming too reliant on generative artificial intelligence tools (AI), according to the findings of a new report by former Department for Education (DfE) adviser Tom Richmond. In a paper for the Social Market Foundation, Mr Richmond warns that expansion of the use of AI could lead to a "cognitive collapse", which could see standards dropping as children and teachers are no longer thinking as hard about the tasks they must complete. Urging ministers to review their guidance on the use of AI in schools, Mr Richmond says the current advice "pays too little attention to its effect on learning". By John Roberts, Tes. 

Ofsted is to assign senior inspectors to "shadow" inspection teams in a bid to test the uniformity of judgments under its new report cards system. The watchdog has confirmed it will introduce extra quality assurance visits that will focus specifically on consistency, validity and reliability when inspections resume in November. Critics have welcomed the move as a "good starting point", but have called for regular, "transparent" reporting of the results in addition to oversight from an independent, external body. By Lydia Chantler-Hicks, Schools Week.

Writing in The Independent, Simon Cooper, professor of physical activity and health at Nottingham Trent University, highlights a concerning decline in physical education (PE) hours in UK schools, with a reduction of 45,000 hours compared to 15 years ago. Emphasising the importance of the subject not only for children's physical health but also for their cognitive development, he cites research indicating that PE lessons – particularly games-based activities – can enhance brain performance, including short-term memory, attention, and executive function. "This effect even translates to better academic performance in maths," he adds. Calling on ministers to protect the subject, Professor Cooper concludes: "Physical education in schools ultimately helps children learn. Its place and importance in the curriculum must be valued – and further cuts must be avoided." 

MPs have launched an inquiry into the early years sector to review the government’s school-readiness targets and staff recruitment and retention. The Commons Education Select Committee will also focus on how ministers can ensure the sector is inclusive of families across the country – including those in so-called "childcare deserts" – and of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Academics and experts from the early years sector are invited to make written submissions via the committee’s website by 11.59pm on 10 October. By Cerys Turner, Tes. 

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