Education Reform

Over recent years the relationship between the education system and family services has become closer as schools increasingly recognise the needs of their pupils both within and outside the school gates.  There are many reasons for this – the establishment of many Children’s Centres on school sites, the effect of previous policies such as Extended Schools, and a growing body of research showing the importance of the home learning environment in children’s achievement.

The Coalition Government is currently implementing major reforms to schools policy created by the Academies Act 2010 and the Education Act 2011.  In order to help family services the Family Strategic Partnership has written four briefing papers explaining some of the key changes to structures and funding, and offering advice on how providers might relate to schools as commissioners in the future.

Briefing One covers the broad policy context of the reforms
Briefing Two explains the key facts about changes to schools funding
Briefing Three outlines how schools are inspected and assessed
Briefing Four looks at how family services might better engage with schools going forward.

 For further information contact kerstin.neason@barnardos.org.uk