Given that this is the final week before the General Election there is very little to report on in terms of governance, but I have highlighted the publication of an Education Policy Institute report analysing the main parties’ manifestos regarding education.

EPI report analyses manifesto plans for education
The EPI has released a report analysing the main parties’ manifestos regarding education and topics it covers includes early years, school organisation and outcomes, funding, post-16 education and workforce. In each of these areas EPI pinpoints what each party is saying about it and what a new government should do to combat challenges.

The EPI highlights the key issues facing the education sector, with one of the main challenges being SEND support and funding. The EPI warns that “SEND support was the most pressing funding concern” and that “schools, local authorities, and some of our most vulnerable children are at risk if the current situation is not addressed.” Other challenges explored include staff recruitment and retention, support for disadvantaged pupils and under-investment in school estates.