News

“Councils have pulled out all the stops to protect children’s budgets but are now being forced to cut funding for vital services such as early intervention support, leaving some children having to reach crisis point before they get help."

It is positive that this report recognises significant improvements from councils in providing children’s services, despite the many challenges they face in the education, said Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board.

“The pandemic has led to rising numbers of families facing exceptionally difficult circumstances and councils have worked tirelessly with schools to keep them open and children and their families safe and well, through online and virtual contact and resources, as well as high priority home visits."

Cllr Judith Blake responds to OFSTED's annual report on the overall quality of education and care in England

“Ninety-one per cent of maintained schools are now rated as either outstanding or good, which is a great achievement that must now be acknowledged by central government. Councils must now be recognised as improvement partners, and be allowed to help all schools improve where necessary, including academies and free schools."

Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, responds to Department for Education figures published today which show the proportion of state-funded schools in England over capacity has fallen.

Councils called for sex and relationship education (SRE) to be made compulsory in all secondary schools, and were pleased when the Government announced this would happen last year.

Cllr Simon Blackburn, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, responds to the announcement of a new government programme to protect children at risk of exploitation.

Baroness Blake responds to a new law which received Royal Assent today, requiring schools to follow new statutory guidance on uniform costs, which will ensure prices are kept down.

“Unless this funding is made more long-term and less restrictive, more schools may have to close after having spent their budgets on supply teachers, which will only serve to exacerbate growing attainment gaps.”