This week I highlight publication of Experts at Hand guidance in advance of the new Experts at Hands service which will begin in September to support pupils with SEND locally; publication of new attendance support for schools including videos from attendance and behaviour hubs, the launch of a call for evidence on screen use for children and young people aged 5-16; information on how primary and early years settings can apply to enter into Early Education Partnerships; the launch of a call for evidence to inform the development of parental guidance on screen use for children and young people and confirmation that a one off two dose MenB vaccine will be offered to Year 13 students this summer.

DfE publishes Experts at Hand guidance
The DfE has published new guidance on the upcoming Experts at Hand service. As part of the SEND reforms set out in the schools white paper, the service will begin in September 2026 and aims to embed specialists such as educational psychologists and occupational therapists alongside school staff to better support pupils with SEND locally.

The published guidance sets out how the offer should be delivered by local authorities, as well as information for school leaders on accessing available support for their pupils. The DfE has also produced a blog to accompany the guidance.

DfE Attendance support published for schools
On Tuesday the government announced a new package of attendance support for schools that includes practical suggestions and templates to support schools in improving their communication around attendance with parents, as well as videos from attendance and behaviour hub schools who share their approaches.

DfE’s Early Education Partnerships
Applications are open for primary schools and early years settings to enter into Early Education Partnerships. With grants of up to £50k available, the three year programme aims to strengthen school readiness and transition into reception, especially for those with SEND and from disadvantaged backgrounds. DfE webinars will be held this month ahead of the closure of the application window on 17 July.

Use of screen time for 5-16 year olds
This week the government launched a three week call for evidence to inform the development of new parental guidance resources on screen use for children and young people aged 5-16. It will also inform future policy thinking on the use of screens in schools.

One off MenB vaccination programme this summer for Y13 students
It’s been announced that a two dose MenB vaccine will be offered to young people ahead of the autumn as part of a one-off vaccination programme in England. The programme will help to protect those at highest immediate risk while the government monitors and assesses new evidence to determine whether there has been a change in the way MenB affects people and whether any further vaccine rollout response is required. Those eligible in Year 13 will be contacted directly through the NHS app, text, email, or letter depending on records held by the health service.