What a start to the new academic year with a new Prime Minister and Education Secretary confirmed as well as the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

This week I provide information on the new Education Secretary, an update on energy costs, new requirements on what schools publish online, expectations for schools with RPA and guidance on accessing support from school hubs.

New Education Secretary
On Tuesday the new Prime Minister, Liz Truss, announced her Cabinet and the current Education Secretary was promoted to the position of Foreign Secretary.  The new Education Secretary is Kit Malthouse, the MP for North West Hampshire who was previously a minister for crime and policing.

Update on energy costs
Yesterday the Prime Minister promised a six month energy “guarantee” for the public sector.  The announcement was welcomed by education leaders, amid widespread warnings soaring costs were unaffordable.  However, few further details have been released and it is unclear how much of schools’ soaring costs will be covered in practice.

What information schools publish online
This week the DfE published updated information on what maintained schools and academies must or should publish on their websites.  These include new requirements for schools to publish their school uniform policy and information on their opening hours.

Expectations for schools under the RPA for cyber cover
The DfE has now actioned its expectations for schools under the risk protection agreement (RPA) in order for them to qualify for cyber cover. One of these requirements includes having a cyber response plan in place.

Guidance on accessing support from school hubs
A hub is a strong school or partnership of schools and other organisations, designated by the DfE, that help other schools develop and improve their practice. This guidance explains the support that different hubs offer and who can access this support.