Department for Education

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We are exhibiting at PRUsAP Conference 2025!

by | May 19, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

We are thrilled to announce that DCPro Alternative Provision Attendance will be exhibiting at the PRUsAP Conference 2025, a pivotal event dedicated to professionals in Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) and Alternative Provision (AP). This year’s theme, “Back to Basics: For the Sector, By the Sector”, underscores a commitment to grassroots collaboration and sector-led innovation.

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A teacher looks concerned while reading a data report.

Understanding Pupil Attendance Trends in England

by | May 12, 2025 | , , , , , ,

The Department for Education’s recent report, Year-on-Year Change in Pupil Attendance (May 2025), offers valuable insights into pupil attendance patterns across England’s state-funded mainstream schools between the 2021/22 and 2022/23 academic years. By examining how students transition between different absence levels, the report highlights critical periods where interventions can be most effective.

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A teenager in school uniform stands with his arms crossed, looking melancholic.

SEND numbers have risen, DfE to investigate

by | May 9, 2025 | , , , , , , ,

The Department for Education (DfE) has announced plans to investigate the sharp increase in the number of children requiring special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support in England. This move follows criticism from the Public Accounts Committee, which highlighted the government’s inadequate data and lack of a clear, costed reform plan.

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What you need to know about the 2025 Alternative Provision guidance

by | Feb 12, 2025 | , , , , ,

On February 5th 2025, The UK Department for Education (DfE) released updated guidance on arranging alternative provision (AP) for children who cannot access mainstream education due to exclusion, illness, or other reasons. This guide (Click here to read the full guide) outlines statutory responsibilities, best practices, and funding for local authorities and schools when placing children in AP.

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An excluded boy sits in a school corridor.

School Exclusions Soar: A 40% Rise in Suspensions Last Autumn

by | Nov 21, 2024 | , , , , , , , , ,

Newly released figures from the Department for Education (DfE) reveal a stark increase in school exclusions in the autumn term of 2023. Both suspensions and permanent exclusions have seen significant year-on-year rises, with experts linking these trends to behavioural challenges post-pandemic.

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£10.7 Billion budget for SEN support – A Summary of the NAO Report

by | Oct 30, 2024 | , , , , , ,

The report highlights that since 2019, there has been no consistent improvement in outcomes for children and young people with SEN. ​ The DfE’s objective to improve educational attainment and post-school outcomes has seen mixed results. ​ In 2021/22, only 69% of those with SEN at key stage 4 were in sustained education, apprenticeship, or employment after leaving 16 to 18 study, compared to 85% for those without SEN. ​

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Recommended Reading

Young child using a tablet.

It’s Not Just Screen Time: What Really Shapes Learning at Age 2

by | Jan 16, 2026 | , , , , , , ,

When conversations turn to young children and development, screen time often dominates the discussion. How much is too much? Are screens damaging language development? Should parents be stricter? New findings from the Children of the 2020s: home learning environment...

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A person in the education sector smiles at the viewer in an atrium of an education conference 2026.

Alternative Provision Conferences 2026

by | Jan 7, 2026 | , , , , , , ,

Are you looking to attend an Alternative Provision Conference in 2026? You will find an aggregate list of conferences that might fit your needs here! This list will be updated periodically as more conferences are announced. Is your conference not listed here? Let us...

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A teacher reads a data report.

Why Year 10 Attendance Matters More Than We Thought

by | Dec 4, 2025 | , , , , ,

In a new analysis for FFT Education Datalab, Katie Beynon takes a fresh look at the link between Year 11 absence and GCSE results – and finds that the story is more complex than recent DfE figures suggest. While higher absence in the exam year is clearly associated with lower Attainment 8 scores, FFT’s data shows that much of this relationship is shaped by pupils’ existing attendance patterns, particularly in Year 10.

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Attendees mill about in a conference hall networking at an education conference.

DCPro Alternative Provision Attendance exhibiting at Alternative Provision London Conference 2025!

by | Nov 7, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , ,

We’re very pleased to share that we will be exhibiting DCPro Alternative Provision Attendance at the upcoming Alternative Provision London Conference, organised by Westminster Insight on Wednesday 26 November 2025, at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London.

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Attendees at an education conference.

DCPro Alternative Provision Attendance Exhibiting at the Tes SEND Show 2025

by | Sep 25, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

We’re delighted to announce that DCPro Alternative Provision Attendance will be exhibiting at Tes SEND Show 2025, taking place on 10-11 October 2025 at the Business Design Centre, London. You can find us at Booth J10.

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A teacher with glasses reads a document.

Raising Standards in Non-School Alternative Provision

by | Sep 2, 2025 | , , , ,

In August 2025, the Department for Education (DfE) published new voluntary national standards for non-school alternative provision – sometimes referred to as unregistered provision. These guidelines aim to strengthen quality, safety and oversight in a diverse sector that supports some of the most vulnerable children in the education system.

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A male teacher observes his pupils working.

Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025: What You Need to Know

by | Aug 8, 2025 | , , , , ,

Safeguarding is not just about reacting when something goes wrong. It is about building an environment where all children are safe, feel heard, and are supported at the earliest sign of need. KCSIE 2025 makes it clear that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, whether you are a teacher, caretaker, volunteer or governor.

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A male teacher looks concerned while reading a report.

What the 2025 EPI Report Tells Us

by | Jul 17, 2025 | , , , , , , , , ,

This year’s Education Policy Institute (EPI) Annual Report delivers a stark but vital message: England’s education system is still deeply unequal, and while some progress is being made, the gaps remain gaping. From postcode privilege to persistent poverty, from SEND...

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Excluded Schoolgirl

Understanding England’s Surge in School Suspensions and Exclusions

by | Jul 11, 2025 | , , , , , , , ,

The most recent school behaviour statistics from the Department for Education paint a stark and worrying picture. Exclusions and suspensions in England have soared to their highest levels since 2006. Paired with powerful personal stories and expert commentary, the data offers more than just numbers – it reveals a system increasingly strained by unmet needs, limited resources, and complex challenges both inside and beyond the school gates.

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Teacher reading a report.

Key Insights from the Inclusion in Practice Report

by | Jul 10, 2025 | , , , , , , ,

The latest Emerging Insights report from Inclusion in Practice offers a compelling glimpse into how schools across England are tackling these questions head-on. Based on wide-ranging evidence from over 8,000 schools, the report highlights emerging models of success and outlines practical, evidence-informed principles that support inclusion for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

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