This week I highlight updated statutory suspension and exclusion guidance which comes into effect from September, media reporting on the School Teachers’ Review Body recommending a 6.5% pay rise for teachers next academic year and confirmation from the DfE it’s providing a 50% subsidy rate for the National Tutoring programme next academic year.

Updated statutory suspension and exclusion guidance from September 2023
Today the DfE published updated guidance which will come into effect on 1 September 2023. Changes include making certain responsibilities around cancelling exclusions statutory, and adding guidance on conducting governing board reinstatement, and independent review panels via remote access.

A guide to help parents and carers understand the suspension and permanent exclusion system in schools in England was also published.

School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) reportedly recommends a 6.5% rise for teachers
Last weekend the Sunday Times reported that the STRB has recommended a 6.5% pay increase for teachers in 2023/24 – this recommendation has not been confirmed as the STRB’s report has not yet been published. Unions are now calling on the DfE to publish the report.

DfE increases the subsidy rate for the National Tutoring programme next year
The DfE has always been clear that the subsidy rate for the National Tutoring programme will be tapered each year to support schools to embed tutoring long-term, moving from 75% in 2021/22 to a planned 25% in 2023/24. Following feedback from school leaders, the Government has now agreed a subsidy rate of 50% next year, to support schools to deliver the tutoring their pupils need.