The national rules without the jargon. Find the key DfE, Ofsted, safeguarding, SEND, alternative provision, CME and attendance guidance - with a short explanation of what it means for practice.
Policy pages become unhelpful when old guidance, local interpretation and statutory duties are mixed together. This Centre points users back to the official source and provides a concise practice summary - not a substitute for the source itself.
Four items deserve particular attention as schools prepare for the new academic year.
DfE issued technical clarifications to Working together to improve school attendance.
CHECK NOWThe new version reflects legislative changes including off-site direction.
IN FORCEThe 2026 safeguarding guidance replaces the 2025 edition from 1 September.
PREPAREThe updated school inspection toolkit and operating materials apply to inspections from 7 September.
PREPAREA short leadership checklist for the start of the academic year. Tick items as they are completed; progress is stored only in this browser.
Statutory guidance should be followed unless there is a legally sound reason not to. Keep the current version visible to the staff responsible for implementation.
The penalty-notice threshold means a notice must be considered. The individual case and whether support is appropriate still matter.
A registered pupil who is absent is not automatically a child missing education. CME has a specific legal meaning linked to registration and suitable education.
Use this Centre to find the right source quickly, understand the headline implication and then return to the full official guidance whenever a decision depends on the precise statutory wording.
