27 June 2025 weekly update

Dear Colleagues,

Education strategy

This will be available online soon, we are just sorting out some final technical issues. With reference to last week's bulletin, where I thanked contributors to the headteacher briefing events, my sincere apologies to Lorna Newbrook, Strategic Lead for North Kent Post-16 Education, Northfleet Technology College who also presented with Charlie Guthrie about the North Kent LCPA. A big thank you to you too Lorna.

Ofsted

My team had the regular catch up with Ofsted colleagues recently. I am really pleased to let you know that they will presenting at the autumn term headteacher briefings on the new inspection framework.

SEND update

The DfE has now formally communicated that no announcements will be made in July as expected, but SEND reforms will be included in a new schools white paper due to be published in the autumn alongside a funding announcement.

We have secured two colleagues that are involved in the national development work to give us an up to date view in the next academic year. I am delighted to share Dame Christine Lenehan of the DfE's SEND inclusion in education expert group will be contributing to the autumn term headteacher briefings. In addition we will be launching a series of Lunch and Learn online conversations which are about leadership called 'Window on the World'. The first confirmed contributor is Mark Vickers MBE, Chief Executive of the Olive Academy Trust who is Ofsted's external adviser for inclusion.

With all best wishes

Christine McInnes
Director of Education and SEN