This week I highlight publication of a new enrichment framework covering five categories – arts, sport, nature, civic life and life skills, updated Ofsted Inspection toolkits which will be used from September, the government’s proposed social media ban for under 16s and the launch of a consultation on a proposed new GCSE in natural history.

New enrichment framework for schools
A new enrichment framework for schools was published this week by the DfE. Covering each of the five categories: arts, sport, nature, civic life and life skills there are eight new benchmarks against which schools will be able to evaluate their provision and make improvements as follows:

• A strategically aligned enrichment offer
• A broad and well-rounded enrichment offer
• A well-communicated enrichment offer that celebrates participation and achievement
• An enrichment offer shaped by the school or college community
• An accessible and engaging enrichment offer
• An enrichment offer that works in partnership
• An outcomes-focused enrichment offer
• A continually improving enrichment offer

Schools will also be able to use a self-assessment and action planning tool to help them assess their offer against the eight benchmarks. Whilst this is non statutory guidance Ofsted has said it will look at a school’s enrichment as part of how it assesses personal development from September.

Ofsted September 2026 Inspection Toolkit Updates
Ofsted has published updated inspection materials ahead of the September 2026 inspection cycle. This includes a new statistical tool for grouping similar schools to help inspectors form a more rounded view of the school’s performance over time; additional information about learning walks, including who can accompany inspectors; a new concept of ‘leaders who have an inclusion role’ beyond the SENCo and governance incorporated into whether leaders take an ‘effective, whole-school approach’ to safeguarding. The early years updates include additional detail on safeguarding, safer sleep and children’s welfare. You can access the DfE’s blog explaining the changes using this link.

Social media to be banned for under 16s
The government is proposing landmark changes for under 16s, aimed at protecting them online. The measures suggested include:

• A ban on platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X
• Blocks on livestreaming and stranger communication with children
• A minimum age of 18 for AI ‘romantic companion’ chatbots

Overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling are also being considered. The proposals are expected to come into force in Spring 2027.

Proposed new GCSE in natural history
The DfE has worked with experts and stakeholders to develop proposed subject content for a new GCSE in natural history which is now open for consultation. The new qualification will see pupils’ study 3 core areas: habitats and wildlife in the UK, human influence on the natural world, and will include the study of climate change, biodiversity loss and conservation. It will develop pupils’ skills of observation, description, recording and analysis, through 20 hours of sustained and structured field study.