This week I highlight the updated statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguarding Children; confirmation that the new EYFS statutory framework came into effect on 4 January; that Ofsted inspections have been paused until 22 January to enable mental health awareness training to be completed and the launch of the DfE’s new campaign to improve school attendance.

Updated statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
The Government has now published the revised version of the statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children following consultation. Key points include:

• No statutory roles or functions have been removed
• An increased emphasis on multi-agency working
• Changes to the law have been included, for example, the Domestic Violence Act 2021
• A greater emphasis on extra-familial harms and exploitation
• Setting out what a good assessment (report) might include
• A useful annex of resources

New EYFS statutory framework in effect
As of 4 January, the DfE’s new ‘EYFS statutory framework for group and school-based providers’ came into effect. All early years providers must have regard to this updated framework.

Ofsted inspections paused to allow for inspector training
Routine school inspections are being paused until Monday 22 January to accommodate mental health awareness training for all inspectors. Ofsted’s new Chief Inspector Sir Martyn Oliver also announced the launch of the Big Listen, to begin later this term, to hear directly from parents and professionals about the strengths and weaknesses of Ofsted’s current approach to inspection and regulation.

DfE announces national campaign to improve school attendance
This week the DfE has announced that eighteen new attendance hubs across six regions are to be established, bringing the number of hubs to thirty two which will see nearly 2,000 schools supported. The government is also increasing the direct support offered to pupils and their families by expanding the attendance mentor pilot programme and a national communications campaign aimed at parents on the importance of attendance launched earlier this week.