This week I highlight the Government’s plans to make changes to the KS3 curriculum, the opening of a consultation on draft statutory guidance on children not in school and a consultation on introducing a certification scheme for assuring EdTech and AI product safety in schools.
Government proposes Key Stage 3 changes
Restoring KS3 as a distinct three-year phase (with GCSE teaching beginning in Y10) and giving technical education greater parity with academic pathways are amongst the proposed changes to curriculum and assessment pathways outlined by the Government this week.
Consultation on draft statutory guidance on children not in school
This DfE consultation seeks views on draft statutory guidance on how the children not in school registers will work in practice. The matters for consideration include:
- which children should be included on registers
- what information must be recorded
- which education providers must provide information
- views on a pilot scheme of mandatory meetings before a child can be removed from school to be home educated
The consultation closes on 3 February 2027.
Consultation on introducing a certification scheme for assuring EdTech and AI product safety in schools
The DfE is proposing a certification scheme to assure the safety of education technology and artificial intelligence products used in schools and other education settings in England.
It is seeking views on how the scheme could support safer decision-making, reduce burdens on education settings and give suppliers a clear and proportionate route to show their products meet defined safety standards. The consultation closes on 4 February 2027.
