This week I report on the announcement of a new national SEND training programme, the launch of a GCSE exam results app and the launch of the national Year of Reading.

National SEND training announced as part of additional funding package
This week the Government announced a £200 million national SEND training programme, as part of a wider additional funding package to be confirmed in the forthcoming Schools White Paper.

The new training programme will ensure every teacher and member of education staff receives support on SEND and inclusion, addressing long-standing gaps in confidence and consistency. Online and in-person training will cover areas such as adapting teaching, assistive technology and working with parents.

DfE launches new GCSE exam results app
From this summer, Year 11 students will be able to view their GCSE results on an app, following a successful regional pilot.

Whilst pupils will still go into school to receive their results, the app aims to modernise how young people access their exam results once they have left school, making it easier to enrol in post-16 destinations and enabling employers to verify education history. It is also expected to save schools an estimated £30 million per year in administrative costs.

National Year of Reading launched
As part of the National Year of Reading, the DfE and the National Literacy Trust have launched the ‘Go All In’ campaign, encouraging people of all ages to rediscover reading for pleasure. This follows data revealing only one in three 8 to18 year olds say they enjoy reading.

The campaign aims to bring together families, schools, libraries, businesses and other community organisations to connect reading with everyday passions such as football, music, food, film and gaming. Activities will include national events, local community programmes, volunteer opportunities and new resources for parents and schools.