This February (2026), the Waltham Forest Holiday Activity Programme will be running free activities for children who are in receipt of benefit related Free School Meals (FSM).

The revised Ofsted inspection framework came into effect in November 2025. Mary Jarrett, Corporate Director of Education have sent a letter to parents explaining the new framework.

The Met Office has issued a cold alert for London which is in effect from 8pm on Friday 2 January 2026 until 12pm on Monday 12 January 2026.

Welcome to the aScEND Newsletter

The UK Health Secretary Agency (UKHSA) has shared advice and guidance to education settings regarding seasonal illnesses.

The Government acts on commitment to put parents' experiences at the heart of SEND reform through new public engagement campaign.

This review builds on insights from Children L (published in April 2025) and highlights ongoing challenges within the elective home education (EHE) framework.

This review examined 11 incidents between March 2023 and July 2024 where 14 children, mainly Black boys, suffered serious or fatal harm.

Under Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, local partners must review serious cases where a child has died or been seriously harmed due to suspected abuse or neglect.