Free tech tools aiding cyber crime, NCA warns

The National Crime Agency (NCA) has warned that young people are being helped into cyber crime through the use of free tools such as game-cheat websites or forums concerned with modifying games.

Councils call for input over new grammar school locations

The LGA has said that councils must have control over where new selective schools are introduced.

Parliament approves 130 new free schools

The Department for Education has approved applications for 131 new schools, in a move which is expected to create more than 69,000 places.

Electoral Commission enlists Snapchat app to encourage young voters

The Electoral Commission has partnered up with social media app Snapchat in an attempt to prompt young voters to register for the local government elections.

Multi-agency group formed to tackle modern slavery

A new multi-agency group organised by the Shiva Foundation, Hertfordshire CC, the Hertfordshire Constabulary and the Police Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, has been formed to help staff identify and prevent modern slavery.

Council wins term-time holiday legal battle

Isle of Wight Council has welcomed a ruling by the Supreme Courty that its decision to fine a father who took his daughter on an unauthorised term-time holiday was legal.

DWP announces support to aid workless families

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced new plans to help workless families break out of unemployment and disadvantage.

£2.4bn declared to boost England’s schools

The Department for Education has announced a £2.4 billion cash injection to help create 600,000 extra school places and improve or expand thousands of school buildings.

 Sunderland CC finishes transfer of children’s services

Sunderland City Council has completed the transfer of its children’s services to a new company, after it received an ‘inadequate’ rating by Ofsted back in July 2015.

Millicent Fawcett statue erected in Parliament Square

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has announced a statue of Millicent Fawcett, one of the leading figures in the campaign

Children with special needs at risk of being turned away by schools, LGA warns

The Local Government Association (LGA) has cautioned that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are at risk of being turned away by mainstream schools due to a lack of funding and rising demand.

Swindon Council sets aside £600,000 to improve education services

Swindon Council has set aside £600,000 over the next three years to help improve educational outcomes set out in its Swindon Challenge strategy.

DCMS announces successful applicants to libraries fund

The Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and Arts Council England has announced that 30 local authorities’ libraries services from across the country will receive a total of £3.9 million from the Libraries Opportunities for Everyone Innovation fund.

LGO raises concern over changes to school transport policy

The Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) has warned that changes to councils’ transport policies are having a negative effect on children trying to get to school.

Cuts leave school support services at risk

Many local authorities face being unable to meet their legal obligations to schools, the Local Government Association has warned.

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The Workplace Event 2024

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, shifting workplace cultures, and an increased focus on employee well-being, The Workplace Event (TWE) 2024 emerges as a beacon of insight, innovation, and inspiration. Taking place from April 30 - May 2 2024 at the NEC Birmingham, TWE  brings together over 5,000 workplace and facilities management professionals.