Welcome to the Berry Education Newsletter!
Stay updated with the latest statutory changes, best practices, regulatory updates and compliance requirements.
Education Policy Institute Releases Report On Identifying SEND
A report published by the Education Policy Institute (EPI) highlights some of the challenges in identifying special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Findings show that chances of SEND identification were lower for:
- Pupils attending academy schools or living in the most academised areas.
- Pupils with greater levels of absence from school or those who frequently move schools.
- Pupils who speak English as an additional language.
Update on the Procurement Act 2023: Were You Ready?
The new Procurement Act 2023, which took effect on 24 February 2025, introduced significant changes to procurement regulations for schools and trusts. Initially scheduled for October 2024, the implementation was postponed to allow the new government to finalise its National Procurement Policy Statement. This delay provided additional time for schools to prepare for the new, more flexible and strategic procurement practices.
Impact on Schools:
- Regulation Changes: Schools had to adapt to new procurement regulations aimed at increasing flexibility and strategic procurement.
- Training Requirements: Staff responsible for procurement were required to complete the free Transforming Public Procurement (TPP) training provided by the Cabinet Office.
- Use of Procurement Pathway Tool: Schools could utilise the new tool for access to relevant policies, legislation, and standard templates.
- Preparation Time: The postponement offered additional time for schools to familiarise themselves with the new regulations and prepare accordingly.
Fill Your Governing Board Vacancies
We now provide a recruitment service for school governors, directors, and trustees across the UK.
We’re looking for professional people to fulfil those volunteer roles – you don’t even have to work in governance, you may work in finance, HR or even something else. So why not give something back!
How It Works:
Become a Governor: Visit our website and express your interest and complete a simple form to share your details, background and areas of expertise.
Find a Governor: We’ll pass your details onto our internal team, who will help match your Governance vacancy with volunteers in our database.
Disadvantaged Pupils Remain More Likely To Be Suspended Or Excluded
Disadvantaged pupils continue to experience higher suspension and exclusion rates, with 10% of disadvantaged pupils in years 9 and 10 experiencing this at least once in the autumn term. This is according to the latest data analysis by FFT Datalab.
Suspension rates reached record levels in 2022/23 and continued rising in 2023/24, but early data suggest the increase may be slowing.
New Recycling Regulations For Your School
In 2023, the UK Government introduced a new recycling plan to make recycling easier and more consistent. The goal is to improve recycling rates by having a simple system where the same items can be recycled at home, work, or school.
All schools in England must follow these new rules. By 31 March 2025, schools need to have recycling and collection measures for all types of recyclable waste, except garden waste and plastic film.
DfE Energy For Schools – Simplifying The Buying Of Gas And Electricity
The Department for Education’s Energy for schools simplifies the procurement of gas and electricity for schools whilst delivering competitive rates.
The service provides full DfE oversight and support, removing the burden of complex procurement processes from schools.
If you’d like more information and to ask questions about the DfE’s energy offer, you can join one of the DFE’s webinars on 5 March 2025 or 18 March 2025.