In July 2024, the government announced that, as of 1 January 2025, the exemption of value added tax (VAT) on fee-paying school fees will come to an end, which is to say that school fees are, from that date, subject to VAT at the rate of 20 per cent.
Placements for children in care costing over £0.5million per year are increasing in England, causing significant concern and financial strain on local authorities, with little improvement in outcomes for children.
This research produced by Isos Partnership, commissioned by the Local Government Association (LGA) is an addendum to our report on the future of the SEND system in England.
This research by Isos Partnership builds on previous research into home to school transport carried out for the LGA in 2019. This report brings the analysis of pressures on the system up to date and explores the opportunities for future policy change in the context of potential wider reforms to the SEND system.
Councils have a range of duties and responsibilities to promote the health and wellbeing of young people in their area. This includes the prevention of mental illness and the promotion of mental health and, as appropriate, assessment and treatment under the Mental Health Act.
Young parents have enormous potential, but too often they face barriers that make it harder to thrive. Whether it’s juggling education, housing, childcare or mental health support, the challenges can be complex, and the impact on families long-lasting.
Councils have worked tirelessly with partners to reduce under-18 conception rates, improve outcomes for young parents, and tackle the inequalities that underpin early pregnancy. This guide sets out the evidence, challenges and opportunities for councils to continue leading the way.
The early years and months of life are a key time for many children, shaping their experiences in childhood and the foundations of their adult lives. This time can be all the more important for children who may need some form of additional support in their earliest years. There are, however, strong signs that outcomes for children in the early years who need additional support are worsening, not improving.
This policy paper draws on programme impact studies and LGA roundtables with council officers who deliver free holiday provision funded by the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. In recognition of the announcement of a three-year funding extension for HAF, this paper sets out recommendations to support councils in shaping local practice and to inform the Department for Education’s development of refreshed guidance.
