This week I highlight publication of an evaluation report on pupil premium and recovery premium examining how schools and trusts plan and utilise these funds, the announcement of £740 million for 10,000 new places for pupils with SEND and new guidance from the EEF on effectively deploying TAs to enhance educational outcomes.

Pupil premium and recovery premium evaluation
Earlier this week the DfE published an evaluation report on the pupil premium and recovery premium, examining how schools and academy trusts plan and utilise these funds. The report outlines the strategies employed and presents findings on their reported impacts, highlighting the implications for educational support.

£740 million allocated for 10,000 new places for pupils with SEND
The Government has announced its intention to invest £740 million to create 10,000 new school places for children with SEND as part of its Plan for Change. The initiative intends to make more spaces available in special schools and to expand specialist units in mainstream schools as less than 10% currently have SEND provision.

Deployment of Teaching Assistants
The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) has published new guidance, providing five recommendations for effectively deploying TAs to enhance educational outcomes. Key strategies include ensuring TAs support rather than replace teachers, promoting pupil independence, and implementing structured interventions.