This week I highlight the major education announcements set out in the Chancellor’s Autumn budget speech, the publication of clearer, education-focused guidance from the ICO and a new inquiry being launched to explore the decline in children reading for pleasure.

Impact of the Autumn budget on the Education sector
The government will take over from local authorities in fully funding the cost of SEND provision from 2028-29. Further detail on how this impacts the projected DfE budget remains unclear. This was one of two major education announcements in the Autumn budget. Also revealed was the end of the two-child limit on benefits which will be lifted from April 2026 and is expected to reduce the number of children living in poverty by 450,000.

Education-focused ICO guidance
Recently, the Information Commissioner’s Office has added clearer, education-focused guidance to sit alongside its existing 10-Step Guide to Sharing Information to Safeguard Children. Nothing significant has changed in the law, this is simply extra reassurance and examples designed to help schools, nurseries and colleges feel more confident.

‘Generational shift’ in reading habits sparks parliamentary inquiry
A decline in the number of children reading for pleasure has prompted MPs to launch an inquiry into the causes of the trend and its consequences for children. Helen Hayes, chair of the Commons Education Select Committee, warned of a “generational shift” away from reading, which has long been considered vital to children’s learning.

This follows research by the National Literacy Trust revealing only 33% of young people aged 8 to18 read in their spare time, down from 51% in 2005 and the lowest level in 20 years. Young children’s daily reading rates have also fallen significantly, with a widening gender gap favouring girls.

The inquiry will explore links between reading habits, mental health, and screen time, and examine successful school and community initiatives to encourage reading. It will also consider how promoting reading for pleasure could boost attainment among disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND.