This week I highlight that next year’s teachers’ pay award won’t be announced before maintained schools budgets are set; the DfE has updated its non-statutory staffing and employment guidance reflecting legislative changes that came into force in April, next year’s phonics screening check guidance has been published and confirmation that exam aids will remain for the next three years for maths, physics and combined science GCSEs.

Teachers pay award update
The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has warned that the pay award for next academic year will not be announced before maintained schools set budgets but has pledged to reset the timeline for 2026/27. In her letter to the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) to kickstart the pay review process, she also asked for recommendations on how the teachers’ pay framework can allow for more flexible working in the profession.

Updated staffing and employment guidance
The DfE has updated its non-statutory guidance on staffing and employment to reflect changes to legislation on time off and flexible working that came into force in April this year, such as the right to request flexible working from the first day of employment.

Phonics screening check guidance published
On Tuesday the STA published guidance for the phonics screening check next year that outlines the arrangements that apply to schools taking part in the check. While assessments at the end of KS1 are now non-statutory, the Government is encouraging schools to administer the optional tests. Alongside the new guidance, the STA also updated its guidance for administering the check, and its page summarising future primary assessment dates.

GCSEs exam aids to remain for three more years
Pupils sitting GCSEs in maths, physics and combined science will continue to receive exam aids for three more years, the Education Secretary has confirmed in a letter to Ofqual’s Chief Regulator.

Exam boards first provided pupils with formula and equation sheets in 2022 in recognition of the continuing impact of Covid pandemic lockdowns on learning. They were provided again in 2023 and 2024, with ministers intending to scrap them from next year. However it’s now been acknowledged that the pandemic’s impact continues and also the independent review of curriculum and assessment will report next year and advise on long term changes to the curriculum and assessment system.