This week I report on the publication of statutory Attendance guidance, guidance for schools ahead of the launch of the wraparound childcare programme, non-statutory guidance on the use of mobile phones and the announcement of the delay of the Reception Baseline Assessment changes.

DfE publishes statutory Attendance guidance
The DfE has published updated ‘Working together to improve school attendance’ guidance this week which will become mandatory from September. Changes include expectations on supporting pupils with mental health or physical ill health, new fine rates, absence thresholds at which penalties must be considered, requirements to share daily data and new absence codes.

DfE Guidance: Responding to requests for wraparound childcare
The DfE has published ‘Responding to requests for wraparound childcare’ guidance for schools ahead of the launch of the wraparound childcare programme. The guidance is designed to support schools to understand how to respond to requests from parents, carers and providers, in relation to the national wraparound childcare programme.

The guidance includes the responsibilities of the Governing body in relation to considering whether to establish wraparound childcare on school sites. It also emphasises that if wraparound childcare is set up using the powers afforded to governors, the Governing body holds responsibility for the provision, even where decision-making is delegated to others.
Governors are encouraged to read the guidance alongside the Wraparound guidance for schools.

New non-statutory mobile phone guidance
The DfE has released new non-statutory guidance that explains ways to develop, implement and maintain a policy that prohibits the use of mobile phones in schools. The Government has stated that this guidance is part of a plan to “minimise disruption and improve behaviour in classrooms”, and that many schools already have mobile phone bans in place.

Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA) changes delayed to 2025
The DfE confirmed yesterday that previously announced changes to the RBA have been delayed by a year, taking effect from September 2025 rather than September 2024. The changes would see children answering questions on touchscreen devices instead of worksheets.