NEWS UPDATES

Take a look at what's been happening in the world of education and health and safety since our last issue...

PRESS RELEASE: Over £2 billion boost to secure expansion in early education

Government takes first steps towards milestone to increase school readiness with over £2bn uplift to early years investment compared to last year. Early years providers are set to benefit from over £2 billion extra investment compared to last year, to support the rollout of 30 hours of government-funded early education from next September.

This forms part of the government’s mission to break the unfair link between background and opportunity, increasing access to affordable and high-quality early education so tens of thousands more children will be ‘school ready’ at age 5 by the end of the parliament.

Last week, the Prime Minister unveiled the government’s Plan for Change, including an ambition for a record number of children – 75% - to be reaching a good level of development when they start school by 2028.

A reformed and sustainable early education system is central to this mission, which is why despite having to take tough decisions to fix the foundations of the economy the government is increasing investment by over 30% compared to last year – bringing total spend to £8 billion - as it delivers on the promises to expand government-funded early education for working parents.

As usual, hourly funding rates for providers offering the government-funded hours will vary between local authorities, reflecting local circumstances. On average, rates will rise to £11.54 for under 2s; £8.53 for two-year-olds; and £6.12 for three- and four-year olds.

Alongside confirmation of the rates, today the government has announced a new £75 million expansion grant, to be allocated later this year, to support nurseries, childminders and other providers to deliver the 35,000 additional staff and 70,000 places required to meet demand for next September.

The government will also deliver the largest ever uplift to the early years pupil premium (EYPP), increasing rates by over 45% to up to £570 per eligible child per year. This unprecedented increase is an investment in quality early education for those children who need it most, in the areas that need it most, to give them the support they need to be “school ready” at age 5 and go on to have the best life chances.

Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson said:

High quality early education is the cornerstone of our promise to ensure tens of thousands of children are school ready every year, as part of the government’s Plan for Change Despite the inherited challenges we face, this government will invest in our children’s future to break the link between background and success and build a system that gives every child the best start in life.

Schools accused of 'toxic and humiliating culture'

More than 150 current and former pupils, parents, former teachers and professionals have shared their experiences of the Mossbourne Federation schools in Hackney, east London. The allegations, which span two decades, include claims of racism and that teachers would routinely scream at pupils for minor infractions, with "public humiliation" being commonplace.

A Mossbourne Federation spokesperson said it was being targeted by a "vexatious campaign" and it offered a safe learning environment for all its pupils, as evidenced by positive Ofsted reports and local authority reviews. The federation runs two primaries, two secondaries and a sixth form, which a total of about 3,500 students attend.

Many of the complaints relate to the treatment of pupils at the two secondary schools - Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy (MVPA) and Mossbourne Community Academy (MCA). Current and former students and parents have described an environment where fear and intimidation were used to enforce a strict "no-excuses" approach to discipline to achieve strong academic results. They alleged it affected mental wellbeing and impacted those with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) disproportionately.

An independently-led review, ordered by the City and Hackney Safeguarding Children Partnership, has now been commissioned to "determine if the concerns can be substantiated" into the claims against MVPA.

Teachers have told BBC London:

• They were told to install "healthy fear" into the pupils and that they went on a training course to learn how to do this

• They were encouraged to scare and shout at pupils as this would "benefit their education"

• They were told off for not punishing pupils

• They were left with various mental health issues after teaching at the school

• Former pupils have said:

• There was a racial bias against ethnic minority students, in particular regarding their hairstyles

• One said she was given a detention because a teacher simply "didn't like my hair"

• Issues and complaints raised about racism were ignored

• Teachers screamed at pupils and humiliated them in front of their peers

• Teachers bullied pupils and ignored complaints from parents

Mossbourne Federation told BBC London:

• It is proactive in its engagement with parents and the community in addressing concerns, including parent surgeries and it has a clear complaints process

• The academies have more than double the national average number of students with Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs), demonstrating a "commitment to inclusion and support for Send students"

• It "categorically denies" any accusations of racism and it prides itself on being welcoming and inclusive to all students and rejects all discrimination

• Complaints over hairstyles had been received over the years with all being "dealt with appropriately" and its policy had been "reviewed and has evolved"

• It acknowledged that "teachers sometimes used a raised voice to ensure a focused and safe learning environment" but there was no evidence to "claims of teachers screaming at, or verbally abusing, students"

• Attendance rates for all students, including Send and disadvantaged pupils, was "significantly above" the national average, suggesting they feel safe and supported

Atiya, a former MVPA pupil, said she had started at the academy being "creative and happy" but left in 2020 with "social anxiety".

She told BBC London that some of the treatment by some teachers had amounted to bullying, including the regular doling out of excessive punishments.

"When I was in year 7 or 8, my parents couldn't make it to parents' evening, so I was locked in a behavioural support unit for a week," she said."I was isolated. I felt I was the one to blame but it was out of my control."

Her account is among more than 150 gathered by a campaign group made up of parents and local councillors who are urging reform at the Mossbourne schools.

A DfE spokesperson said: "These allegations are deeply distressing.

"We are clear that schools should be a safe and supporting environment where every child, including those with Send, can achieve and thrive. We are working urgently with the local authority and the Mossbourne Federation to establish the facts and any necessary action."

The federation pointed out that no concerns had been raised in previous Ofsted reports. The 2021 Ofsted report into MCA, which gave it an "outstanding" rating, states: "Demanding rules and routines ensure that learning is front and centre at all times."

The federation told BBC London: "We are confident that the extensive external scrutiny, strong academic outcomes, and high attendance rates demonstrate the reality of our thriving and inclusive schools.

Labour Calls for Action on School Absences Amid Report of 300,000 Missing Pupils

In response to the findings, the DfE highlighted plans to address the issue by implementing "children not in school registers" to better track absences. Additional measures include introducing protections for children subject to social care investigations and creating a single child identifier to streamline support across education, health, and care services.

A government source, however, questioned the EPI’s estimate of 300,000 missing pupils, citing discrepancies between GP registration data and population estimates. Official DfE statistics suggest that approximately 117,000 children were missing education at any point during the 2023–2024 academic year.

Reacting to the report, Trott called on the Department for Education (DfE) to refocus its efforts. Speaking to Sky News, she said: “Pupil absence is the most critical issue for the Department for Education right now—not cancelling new schools, diluting the academic curriculum, or allocating significant resources to a VAT rise that will further strain state schools. We must get children back into the classroom.”

Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott has urged the government to prioritize tackling pupil absences following a report revealing that up to 300,000 children were missing from schools in England during 2023.

The findings, published by the Education Policy Institute (EPI), highlight a 40% increase in unaccounted absences compared to 2017. The data, which cross-references GP registrations with school enrolment records, also uncovered that over 50,000 pupils had left the state education system by Year 11 without clear documentation of their departure.

Schools See Alarming Rise in Homophobic Insults, Campaigner Warns

Children as young as seven are increasingly using homophobic slurs, with schools experiencing a "huge resurgence" in offensive language, according to Ian Timbrell, a former teacher turned LGBT+ inclusion consultant.

Mr. Timbrell, who collaborates with schools to foster inclusivity, noted a significant uptick in reports from teachers concerned about hearing derogatory phrases. Social media platforms like TikTok have been identified as a source of such language. While TikTok claims to have removed nearly 90% of content violating its hate speech and bullying policies before being flagged, the problem persists in school environments.

A spokesperson for the Welsh government condemned such behaviour, stating: “Any form of bullying, discrimination, or sexual harassment is completely unacceptable.”

Mr. Timbrell, who taught for 17 years and now runs the nonprofit More than Flags and Rainbows, said he hadn’t encountered terms like “that’s so gay” early in his career but has seen a sharp rise in the past year.

“A lot of it stems from families or parents using these phrases,” he explained. “But social media, especially U.S.-based TikTok accounts, is also a significant influence.”

He emphasized the importance of education to combat ignorance. “If people say, ‘I didn’t mean it like that,’ or ‘I don’t know what it means,’ it’s our responsibility as parents and teachers to educate them on why it’s hurtful.”

Drawing from his own experiences, Mr. Timbrell helps pupils understand the emotional impact of using such language. “The only way to stop this is if everyone stands up against it—teachers, parents, and young people alike,” he urged.

Research from Just Like Us, an LGBT+ charity working with schools, underscores the scale of the issue. Their survey of nearly 32,000 pupils, including over 4,000 from primary schools, found that homophobic language remains prevalent.

“‘Gay’ as an insult hasn’t disappeared from classrooms or playgrounds—it’s often amplified by social media,” said Amy Ashenden, who led the research.

Ms. Ashenden highlighted that while progress has been made, many young people continue to face significant challenges. “Even as LGBT+ adults, we like to think things have improved, but this shows there’s still work to do.”

TikTok, a frequently mentioned source of harmful language, defended its policies, stating it does not permit content that includes slurs or targets individuals based on gender or sexual orientation. From April to June this year, the platform reported removing 88% of hate speech violations and 89% of bullying content before they were flagged.

Despite such measures, campaigners insist that tackling the resurgence of homophobia requires a united effort from schools, parents, and communities to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all children.

Company Fined £600,000 After Prisoner Dies from Legionnaires’ Disease

Amey Community Limited, a facilities management company, has been fined £600,000 for failing to manage legionella risks in the water systems at HMP Lincoln, following the death of a prisoner.

Graham Butterworth, 71, died on 5 December 2017 after contracting Legionnaires’ disease while serving a sentence at the prison. Subsequent water tests from his cell and nearby shower blocks revealed the presence of legionella bacteria.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Amey Community Limited had failed to act on a risk assessment conducted in 2016. The company neglected to implement a written scheme to prevent and control legionella risks, maintain appropriate water temperatures, and monitor water temperatures during October and November 2017, creating conditions for the bacteria to thrive.

HSE Inspector Stacey Gamwell commented:

“There is a legal duty to protect the safety of workers and inmates in prisons. The failures by Amey Community Limited put the occupants of HMP Lincoln at risk of exposure to legionella bacteria and the potentially fatal Legionnaires’ disease. Companies must identify any risks associated with legionella and establish robust arrangements to manage and control those risks effectively.”

The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to legal obligations regarding water safety management in environments like prisons, where the health and well-being of occupants are heavily reliant on facilities management providers.

Hidden Health Costs of Prolonged Standing at Work Uncovered

New research highlights the often-overlooked health risks faced by UK workers who stand for extended periods, with four out of five reporting that their working conditions are harming their physical and mental well-being.

A survey of 1,000 non-office workers who stand for at least four hours a day—conducted by workplace safety company COBA—revealed widespread health issues in industries such as manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and healthcare.

The findings uncovered a range of ailments, with respondents frequently citing:

• Lower back pain (46%)

• Foot pain (33%)

• Knee pain (29%)

Nearly half admitted struggling to get out of bed or start their day due to these health issues, while two in five said they relied on over-the-counter painkillers to complete their shifts. Alarmingly, one in four had consulted a GP, and over a third reported a decline in their mental health.

Despite these challenges, fewer than half of respondents said their employer had provided any form of support.

COBA is urging employers to prioritize workstation safety assessments to address the risks of prolonged standing.

“Standing for long hours poses a significant health risk, impacting productivity and increasing absenteeism,” said Chris Stanley of COBA. “Workers deserve the same level of care as those using display screen equipment, with regular assessments to ensure their health and well-being.”

COBA has partnered with chartered physiotherapist Connor Ruffinato to develop an online resource center offering advice to employers and employees.

“Prolonged standing can strain muscles, stiffen joints, and even lead to blood pooling in the legs due to limited movement,” Ruffinato explained. “Regular movement is essential to reduce discomfort and maintain circulation. Simple exercises like calf raises or squats can be highly effective, especially for those unable to leave their workstations.”

Ruffinato also advised workers experiencing frequent pain or discomfort to seek medical advice, noting that early intervention can prevent more serious conditions.

COBA recommends the use of anti-fatigue mats, particularly during colder months, as they provide a cushioned surface to encourage subtle muscle movement, improve circulation, and reduce strain caused by hard, cold floors.

Four out of five respondents who had access to anti-fatigue mats reported positive results. Research from Loughborough University and the Technical University of Darmstadt further supports their effectiveness in reducing discomfort among factory workers.

“Anti-fatigue mats can promote subtle movements that improve circulation, helping to mitigate the effects of standing for long periods,” Ruffinato added.

This research underscores the need for employers to proactively address the hidden health costs of prolonged standing, ensuring safer and more comfortable conditions for their workforce.

Schools Receive £740m to Support SEND Pupils

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has announced £740m in funding to help mainstream schools in England adapt their buildings and facilities to better support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The funding, part of the £6.7bn education budget unveiled earlier this year, aims to make schools more accessible by modifying infrastructure and creating new SEND units for intensive specialist support.

The announcement comes after the National Audit Office (NAO) criticized the current SEND system in October, describing it as “in urgent need of reform” and noting that many parents have lost faith in its effectiveness. Phillipson acknowledged parents’ frustrations, stating, “I hear the concerns, but meaningful change will take time.”

A BBC analysis revealed that the number of SEND pupils in mainstream schools has risen by a third since the 2015–16 academic year, adding pressure to already strained resources.

At Brighouse High School in West Yorkshire, headteacher Richard Horsfield expressed concerns about limited funding for both educational support and building improvements. While the school spent £10,000 over the summer to add handrails and accessible bathrooms, its broken lift—essential for wheelchair-using students—remains unfixed due to an estimated £250,000 repair cost.

“One of our pupils has to go outside and through the car park to reach certain classrooms,” Horsfield said. “On wet December mornings, it’s just not good enough.”

Despite these challenges, Horsfield believes mainstream schools can provide an ideal environment for SEND pupils when properly supported. However, a lack of resources has constrained the school’s ability to deliver the level of support it strives for.

The school has also seen a reduction in learning support assistants and limited access to specialist counselling services. Nevertheless, it continues to offer tailored workshops and spaces for academic and emotional support, which pupils say are critical to their success.

For Charlie, a SEND pupil at the school, the support he receives is essential. “I can’t concentrate by myself,” he said. “Without the support, I’d just daydream, do nothing, and probably get told off.”

Fellow pupil Freya highlighted the importance of having a nurturing space: “Sometimes I don’t want to be around a lot of people. The supportive teachers and spaces help me feel calm and focused.”

Phillipson emphasized that while additional funding is crucial, reforming the SEND system is equally important. “Just putting more money into the system without reform isn’t the solution,” she said. “We need to ensure we get the overall system right for the long term.”

The government has stated its commitment to enabling more children with SEND to attend schools closer to home and remain in mainstream education where possible.

“Schools have already done remarkable work to support SEND pupils, but many lacked the government backing they needed. That’s what we aim to change,” Phillipson added.

Ofqual: Exam Cheating in Schools Hits Three-Year High

The number of schools and colleges reprimanded for exam malpractice has more than doubled in the past year, returning to pre-pandemic levels, according to Ofqual data released today.

This summer, 145 cases of malpractice involving entire schools, colleges, or departments were recorded—a staggering 163% increase from 55 cases in both 2023 and 2022. Nearly 80% of these incidents involved maladministration, up from 66% the previous year.

Although the rise is notable, it represents a small proportion of England’s more than 20,000 state schools and is consistent with pre-pandemic figures, which saw 135 cases in 2018 and 120 in 2019.

Instances of students cheating also increased, with 5,190 confirmed cases in summer 2024—a 5.9% rise from 4,900 cases in 2023. However, these numbers remain minimal in comparison to the 17.6 million GCSE, AS, and A-level entries this year.

At Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on 3 December 2024, Amey Community Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. In addition to the £600,000 fine, the company was ordered to pay £15,186.85 in prosecution costs.

MPs were also told that the uncertainty surrounding funding has left colleges unsure whether they can continue offering AGQs, creating anxiety for students planning their educational futures.

The Education Committee has written to the Education Secretary and the Minister for Skills, urging them to preserve funding for post-16 Applied General Qualifications (AGQs), including BTECs and Tech Level qualifications.

This appeal follows a cross-party evidence session held on 3 December, where experts in further education and workforce representatives expressed concerns over the potential withdrawal of funding for AGQs. The government is currently conducting a "short review" of post-16 qualification reforms at Level 3 and below, with a decision expected by the end of the year.

During the evidence session, witnesses acknowledged the success of T Levels for some students but emphasized the importance of AGQs for others. They warned that removing funding for AGQs could leave many young people without viable pathways to obtain qualifications necessary for their careers or access to higher education.

Education Committee Chair Helen Hayes highlighted the significance of AGQs for both the economy and young people’s opportunities:

“Technical qualifications are essential to the economy and young people's life chances. We heard that the previous government's attempts to mend the patchwork of post-16 qualifications could lead to bigger holes and frayed confidence in our system. We hope ministers will listen to the evidence and retain popular, high-quality AGQ and BTEC qualifications, which provide vital routes to success for many young people alongside A Levels and T Levels.”

The proposal to defund AGQs, a policy initiated by the previous government, has sparked widespread debate. While T Levels aim to provide a streamlined technical education pathway, critics argue that removing AGQs would disproportionately affect students who rely on the flexibility and accessibility of BTECs.

The Education Committee's intervention underscores the need to ensure a balanced approach to post-16 education, preserving a variety of qualifications to cater to diverse student needs.

Education Committee Urges Government to Protect BTEC Funding

The health impact has also led to increased absenteeism, with nearly half of respondents taking an average of 2.4 sick days in the past year directly linked to their conditions. On average, workers spent £148.29 over the same period on costs related to ill-health, including lost earnings and medical expenses.

Ofqual defines school-level malpractice as actions that range from intentional efforts to give students an unfair advantage to improper application or ignorance of assessment regulations. Serious cases resulting from management failures can lead to sanctions against entire departments or institutions.

Malpractice by school staff also saw a slight rise, with 250 recorded cases—up 8.6% from 230 in 2023. Over half of these cases involved maladministration, while 28.6% were linked to improper assistance given to candidates.

Mobile phones continued to be the most common tool for student cheating, accounting for 41.4% of all penalties. However, the total number of penalties for phone-related breaches dropped slightly, with 2,145 cases this summer compared to 2,180 in 2023.

While these figures indicate a resurgence in exam malpractice, they remain a small fraction of the overall system, given the vast number of students, staff, and exams involved. The data highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining the integrity of assessments as schools adjust to post-pandemic norms.