This week I report on new DfE guidance to support SEND reform, updated DfE Careers guidance and an update to the cyber security core standard in the Meeting Digital and Technology standards in schools and colleges.

New DfE guidance to support SEND reform
New guidance has been published to help schools and trusts understand expectations across key areas of SEND reform, including the inclusive mainstream fund, inclusive education estates and inclusion bases.

Updated DfE careers guidance
This week, the DfE has published its annual update to careers guidance. There are no changes to legislation or statutory duties, but it now reflects the latest developments in education and skills policy and strengthens expectations in key areas. The updates cover:

• Work experience reform
• Ofsted’s updated inspection framework
• Qualifications and skills reforms
• New national data on provider access

Meeting digital and technology standards in schools and colleges
This week the Cyber security core standard was updated to reflect new technical requirements introduced by the National Cyber Security Centre as part of the Cyber Essentials 2026 standard.