Uneven Distribution SEND Pupils
06 March 2026

Blog: Can inclusion bases provide part of the solution to the SEND crisis?

With the government outlining its ambition for every secondary school to have an inclusion base to provide spaces where specialist support is provided for SEND pupils, a new blog from Sarah Tang and Matt Walker explores what we can learn from current inclusion bases about whether they can provide part of a meaningful solution to the SEND crisis.
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Pupil And Teaching Assistant
05 March 2026

Recruiting teaching assistants harder than hiring teachers, according to school leaders

Our latest research into the education workforce has shown that three in four school leaders are struggling to recruit teaching assistants (TAs).
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Early Years Recruitment Stalled 1
26 February 2026

Research suggests early years recruitment may have stalled, raising concerns over 35,000 extra staff target

A new study is warning that the Government’s plans for free childcare could struggle unless growth in early years staffing is reinvigorated.
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Disadvantaged Pupil Funding 1
23 February 2026

NFER welcomes Government pledge to review disadvantaged pupil funding

NFER’s Co-Head of UK Policy and Practice, Jude Hillary has reacted to the news that the government will explore a new measurement of disadvantage for school pupils.
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Schools White Paper 2026
23 February 2026

NFER comments on launch of the Government’s Schools White Paper and SEND support plans

Our Chief Executive, Carole Willis, has given her reaction to the Government's Schools White Paper and the announcement of specialist SEND support in every school and community.
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Pupil Teacher
12 February 2026

Study warns perceived increases in pupil behaviour challenges is a key factor for teachers leaving profession

New analysis shows that growing time spent dealing with pupil behaviour and providing pastoral support plays a significant role in teachers choosing to leave the profession.  
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