PAC Warns £2.5Bn Home-to-School Transport Bill Not Covered by SEND Reforms

Government shown to still lack understanding of parents’ difficulties in navigating system as report calls for better local transport options to benefit communities and reduce…

PAC Report on the Teacher Workforce Shortages and 6,500 Teacher Pledge

Lack of clarity over delivery of 6,500 additional teachers pledge as report highlights impact of workforce shortfalls in disadvantaged areas The government should look at…

Unacceptable, unnecessary harm to vulnerable adolescents being failed by maze of services

The estimated lifetime cost of adverse outcomes for all children who have ever needed a social worker is £23 billion every year. In a report…

Low student satisfaction and rising deficits spell trouble for higher education in England

Higher education providers face long-term, systemic, pressures on their financial sustainability and viability, with the proportion of providers with an in-year deficit having increased in…

Public Accounts (PAC): Academies Sector Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the academies sector. The interventions and financial support implemented by the Department in response to COVID-19…

Reduced staff, SEND support, and curricula risks “damage to children’s education” say PAC - Sector Response

Public Accounts Committee report challenges DfE assertion that the school system is in good financial health PAC report on “Financial Sustainability of Schools in England”…

“Chaotic” £1.9BN Kickstart scheme for youth employment fails to deliver for young people or taxpayer

In its report published today (25 Feb) the Public Accounts Committee says it supports the Department for Work and Pensions’ “intention of supporting young people…

Apprenticeship Levy reforms hurting most disadvantaged

Low take-up, unambitious targets and poor-quality training: the Public Accounts Committee raises concerns over government reforms to the apprenticeships programme. REPORT SUMMARY The Department for…

Academy accounts and performance - PAC takes evidence from Government, trusts, others

PAC examines academy school accounts and performance in evidence sessions today 19 Nov (4pm) and Wednesday 21 Nov (2.30pm).  Scope of the inquiry Academies are publicly funded independent…

learndirect case highlights ‘Too big to fail’ concerns in Government Contracting

Committee urges action in wake of apparent special treatment given to ‘inadequate’ further education provider. With the collapse of Carillion, questions are rightly being asked…