This week I report on the Education Secretary’s keynote speech at the Festival of Childhood, the publication of the consultation outcome on updating the GCSE Computer Science curriculum and new non-statutory guidance on supporting service pupils in schools.

Education Secretary keynote speech at Festival of Childhood
In her keynote speech at the Children’s Commissioner’s Festival of Childhood, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson reaffirmed the Government’s pledge to fund expanded nursery provision in 300 primary schools, aiming for 6,000 new childcare places. The Education Secretary also emphasised the importance of quality early education in overcoming socioeconomic disparities, as well as pushing against rising misogyny amongst pupils. Potential measures against this discrimination include tighter restrictions on smartphones in schools (to reduce children’s access to social media) and the hiring of male teachers who can serve as positive role models.

GCSE computer science subject content update
The DfE has published the outcome to its recent consultation on updating the GCSE computer science curriculum, which ran from May to July 2024. The report outlines five revisions to the content, addressing dated material such as the removal of references to “inside computers” and “common network topologies”. This move aims to provide greater flexibility for awarding organisations and ensure the curriculum stays relevant, with the changes set to take effect for exams starting in summer 2027.

Service Pupils in School non-statutory guidance
The Ministry of Defence and the DfE have released non-statutory guidance aimed at helping schools and LAs support the educational and wellbeing needs of service pupils – children whose parents are in the armed forces. The guidance offers insight on how to effectively address the unique challenges faced by these pupils in schools.