Evolving democratic deliberation for today’s diverse societies
This briefing discusses the need for democratic practices such as deliberation to evolve for today’s diverse societies. It argues that greater involvement through deliberation is not enough, but ‘inclusive involvement’ should be the goal. It is especially topical given the current complex debate over BLM.
BEIS Committee Report: Sector Deals
The BEIS Committee’s report on industrial strategy addresses the processes of securing sector deals and what has been achieved or agreed through them so far. The process has tended to favour sectors that have already received significant state funding and ignoring the challenge of the ‘long tail’ of low productivity.
The Future of Jobcentre Plus: Work and Pensions Committee Report
The report by the Work and Pensions Committee into the future of Jobcentre Plus covered the planned on-going co-location of JCP offices with other local services, such as council benefit teams and health services, and a process of devolution of employment services to combined local authorities and devolved governments
Child Protection: HMIC inspection of Metropolitan Police Service
The report includes many observations and examples of good and bad practice from which police forces and agencies involved in child protection will be able to learn. It will be of interest to LA officers and elected members with child protection responsibilities, particularly those in contact with the police.
DfE research: rollout of 30 hours free childcare
Four DfE commissioned pieces of research have been published which consider the 30-hours of free childcare available to working parents covering the LA role in securing the extra provision, take up and satisfaction of parents, and the views of providers. Overall, the importance of good quality provision is highlighted.
Alternative Provision – the debate continues
Alternative provision – educational provision for children out of school – remains in the spotlight as it manages the increased number of children who have been excluded and off-rolled. This briefing looks at the Government response to the Commons education committee report and two DfE research reports, one a national picture of provision, and the…
Impact Evaluation of the SEND Pathfinder Programme – DfE research
Part 3 of the Children and Families Bill makes provision to change the way the needs of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are assessed and met. To test these provisions, the Department for Education (DfE) established a SEND Pathfinder Programme following the publication of the SEN Green Paper Support…
Erasmus+ funding for young people: Brexit background information
The EU funded seven-year Erasmus+ programme aims to promote the growth of youth work, sport, training and education across Europe though exchange of students and other activities. Expenditure is currently about €130 million a year. This briefing describes the programme and looks at the possible effect of Brexit.
DfE research: rollout of 30 hours free childcare
Four DfE commissioned pieces of research have been published which consider the 30-hours of free childcare available to working parents covering the LA role in securing the extra provision, take up and satisfaction of parents, and the views of providers. Overall, the importance of good quality provision is highlighted.
Alternative provision to social exclusion: Making the difference, breaking the link
This briefing is on a recent Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) report which highlights the finding that half of Britons believe that it is becoming increasingly difficult for people from more disadvantaged backgrounds to move up in society.