The Department for Education is the British government department responsible for education, child services, apprenticeships and wider skills in England. Among its responsibilities are the promotion of child protection, preventing child abuse and neglect, and supporting child development. However, the department has many responsibilities that are not directly related to education. Here are some of its primary areas of focus. These include: Child development, adoption and care leavers, and school sport.
Children’s social care
A study by the University of Birmingham has analysed the responses of 15 English local authorities’ children’s social care departments in the first months after the Coronavirus outbreak in early June 2020. Although the outbreak was unlikely to last long, the local authorities’ response to the disease was a key focus of the study. This included the implementation of a stay-at-home order and shielding of clinically vulnerable groups.
Adoption and care leavers
According to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board, the number of children leaving care increased by 2% in 2020-21 compared to March 2020, while the number of children leaving care on special guardianship orders decreased by 4%. That means that one in seven children left care in the year to March 2021. This is a worrying statistic but one that is not surprising – the Department for Education UK is determined to provide better outcomes for children and young people who have experienced foster care and adoption.
School sport
The government’s School Sport and Activity Action Plan was published in July 2019. The plan aims to improve the time pupils spend being active every day, increasing their physical and mental health. This will improve a child’s behaviour and academic achievement. PE and sport also benefits schools and the community as a whole. Here are some examples of the benefits of PE and sport. You can also read a briefing paper from the Commons Library to learn more about the government’s approach to physical activity in schools.
Behaviour, attendance and exclusions
The Department for Education collects data on exclusions and suspensions from state-funded schools. Schools must report on every child who was excluded or permanently suspended in the previous two terms. In some cases, there are up to three reasons for each exclusion. The guidance above is the latest available. It should be read carefully and acted on promptly. For more information, please see the Department for Education UK website.
Also Read : What Is Primary Education?
Children’s mental health
The recent consultation paper by the Department for Education UK must be a welcome step towards addressing the crisis of children’s mental health in the UK. Too long, children’s mental health has been left to chance, with little guidance given to parents, schools, or other social workers. Many families have struggled to access help for children in distress until a crisis strikes. And the help that is available has been largely remote and clinical, failing to provide the support needed to ensure children’s mental health is a priority.
School sport in Gibraltar
High school and middle school coaching positions are available in Gibraltar. Gibraltar is looking for someone to head the girls’ basketball team, cross country team, and boys’ soccer program. Interested candidates should apply online. Gibraltar volleyball has lost eight of its last ten games, including an 8-2 loss to Southern Door. Wrightstown is 11-7 on the season and split its last four games against Little Chute, Brillion, and Waupaca. Several athletes have been recognized for their outstanding performances at the Packerland Conference Track Championships, including Gibraltar volleyball player Sam Lindenberg.
Online safety
Under the new government guidance, all schools in England must teach online safety and safeguarding in order to keep children safe. Online safety is often taught through PSHE education or through computing classes. However, local authority-maintained schools are also required to teach aspects of online safety as part of the computing curriculum. By 2020, all state-funded schools in England must teach online safety as part of their compulsory education. Online safety should also be taught alongside subjects like relationships and sex education.
