The Department for Education is pleased to announce the launch of the London RISE Open Education Fortnight, a new pan London initiative designed to support sector wide professional development and the sharing of strong and effective practice.

Isos Partnership are keen to hear from a range of colleagues, including the leaders of all primary schools in the borough, as well as Alternative Provision (AP) providers, Local Authority services and parents/carers.

You can book the Early Childhood Summit now taking place on Wednesday 22 April 2026.

Since we started the conversation the landscape nationally has shifted with much stronger, clearer guidance being provided by government and Ofsted around school being expected to be phone free as default as well as a consultation being launched on the banning of social media for under 16s which is encouraging.

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.

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