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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Pupils in disadvantaged areas to benefit from new free schools [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Pupils in disadvantaged areas to benefit from new free schools [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 22 August 2023.

    Fifteen new free schools to open in areas where education outcomes are poorest to drive up school standards.

    Around 12,000 young people in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the country will benefit from a wave of new free schools, another major step in this government’s work to raise school standards.

    The government has announced today (22 August 2023) that 15 new free schools are set to be opened in parts of the country where education outcomes are weakest, providing more opportunities for local young people.

    Free schools are funded by the government but are not run by the local authority, instead, they are run by other organisations – most commonly academy trusts – but also industry and universities. They have greater freedom to innovate and drive up standards, for example more autonomy over the teachers’ pay and their curriculum.

    The new schools will include 3 schools run by the high performing Star Academies and Eton College, located in Dudley, Teesside and Oldham, spreading the highest standards of education across the North East, North West and West Midlands. These schools will help rapidly increase the progression of talented local pupils into top universities including Oxford and Cambridge.

    Free schools and academies have been central to this government’s work to raise school standards, with 88% of schools​ now rated good or outstanding by Ofsted, up from 68% in 2010. In classrooms, England’s children have shot up the international rankings for reading and our 9 and 10 year olds are now the best in the western world.

    The free schools programme provides parents with more choice of good schools, helping to level up opportunity across the country. It enables strong trusts to open high-quality schools in new areas and attract fresh expertise to areas across the country that need it most.

    Free schools outperformed other types of non-selective state schools in England in last week’s A level results. Around 35% of A levels taken by pupils in free schools achieved a grade A or A* compared to 22% studied by pupils in local authority schools.

    Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said:

    We want to make more good school places available to families, and these 15 new free schools will bring brand new opportunities to young people from Bradford to Bristol.

    Free schools bring high standards, more choice for parents and strong links to industry – and all in the areas where those opportunities are needed most.

    These new schools build on this government’s work to drive up school standards since 2010, with 88% of schools now rated good or outstanding – up from 68% – and high performing academies and free schools in all parts of the country.

    Star Academies chief executive Sir Hamid Patel CBE said:

    The free schools programme continues to inject innovation and creativity into the school system.

    We’re delighted our 3 sixth form colleges – being delivered in partnership with Eton College – will be part of the programme and we look forward to working with our local stakeholders to provide more young people with the high-quality education and aspirational opportunities they deserve.

    Eton College headmaster Simon Henderson said:

    We are delighted by this decision. We believe these new colleges have the potential to be transformative both for the young people who attend and for the wider communities they will serve.

    Collaborative partnership will be key to this project’s success and we are very grateful for the support we have had already from the respective councils, from the local communities and from our colleagues in other educational settings.

    Each Eton Star sixth-form college will create 480 schools spaces and will be run through a strong partnership between Star Academies, a highly successful academy trust, and Eton College, who will provide financial and extra-curricular support.

    Plans have also been approved for the BRIT School North in Bradford, 2 University Technical Colleges (UTCs), 1 new all-through school for pupils aged 4 to 16, a primary school, 2 secondary schools and a further 5 free schools for 16 to 19 year olds.

    The 2 University Technical Colleges (UTCs) have been approved for Doncaster and Southampton to support young people build the skills they need for their future careers, including in health sciences and marine engineering.

    The BRIT School North will create opportunities for rising stars in the north of the country to break into the performing arts industry. It is based on the award-winning performing arts school in South London which helped to launch the careers of Adele, Amy Winehouse and Jessie J.

    Free schools in this wave have been approved where there is the greatest need for good new places, prioritising Education Investment Areas (EIAs)identified in the Levelling Up White Paper and Priority Education Investment Areas (PEIAs) identified in the Schools White Paper.

    These are parts of the country with the lowest education outcomes that the government is investing in to support young people to get the education and skills they need to get a good job and help the economy continue growing.

    The full list of new free schools that have been approved and are expected to open in 3 or 4 years include:

    • Eton Star, a 16-19 school in Dudley
    • Eton Star, a 16-19 school in Teesside
    • Eton Star, a 16-19 school in Oldham
    • BRIT School North, a 16-19 school in Bradford
    • Great Stall East Academy, an all through school from ages 4 to 16 in Swindon
    • Lotmead Primary School in Swindon
    • Dixons Victoria Academy, a secondary school in Manchester
    • Dixons Wythenshawe Sixth Form, a 16-19 school in Manchester
    • Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy, a secondary school in Liverpool
    • Bolsover Sixth Form, a 16-19 school in Derbyshire
    • Cabot Sixth Form, a 16-19 school in Bristol
    • New College Keighley, a 16-19 school in Bradford
    • Thorpe Park College, a 16-19 school in Leeds
    • UTC Southampton
    • Doncaster UTC – Health Sciences and Green Technologies
  • PRESS RELEASE : Armed Forces to benefit from £89 million battlefield network [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Armed Forces to benefit from £89 million battlefield network [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 22 August 2023.

    Military personnel deployed on the battlefield will benefit from enhanced connectivity, following the award of an £89 million contract.

    • UK Armed Forces to benefit from enhanced battlefield connectivity
    • Contract will boost connection with allies on operations
    • Supporting the Government’s priority to grow the economy by backing dozens of UK jobs

    Military personnel deployed on the battlefield will benefit from enhanced connectivity, following the award of an £89 million contract.

    The five-year contract has been awarded to BAE Systems to design and manufacture a deployable tactical Wide Area Network (WAN) known as ‘TRINITY’ – delivering a highly secure and state-of-the-art battlefield internet capability to UK forces.

    This contract named Design and Systems Integration Delivery (DSID) will directly support the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy by backing 60 UK jobs based in Dorset. It will also see further investment into UK skills from BAE Systems, their partners and across the supporting supply chain.

    Working together with trusted partners, including L3 Harris, KBR and PA Consulting, BAE Systems will combine its defence communications systems expertise and experience to develop, deliver and deploy world-leading network capability to the UK Armed Forces.

    Trinity’s resilience is based on its composition. It is made up of a series of nodes, each able to add, access and move data in a secure network. If a number of nodes are damaged in warfare, the rest automatically re-route to maintain optimum network speed and flow of information, making it highly effective.

    Replacing the existing Falcon network, due to be retired in 2026, ‘TRINITY’ will ensure UK Armed Forces on land can interact faster with allies, whether operating as a single nation or as part of an international coalition, across different battlefield domains.

    Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey, said:

    In this continually evolving, multi-domain environment it is vital that our personnel have access to world-leading communications capabilities while on operations.

    We remain committed to working closely with the best of British industry as they support our endeavour to better connect with our allies and their assets in theatre.

    The £89 million will be dedicated to the research and development phase of the programme, with ‘TRINITY’ due to be delivered from December 2025.

    David Armstrong, Group Managing Director at BAE Systems’ Digital Intelligence business, said:

    In an increasingly complex and fast-paced threat landscape, Trinity will empower the UK Armed Forces with a greater and more efficient view of what is happening, enabling them to make swift, informed decisions when and where it matters most.

    By providing this advantage to front-line decision makers, Trinity reinforces our commitment to equipping the UK Armed Forces with the right tools to stay ahead in the ever-evolving battlespace.

    ‘TRINITY’ is one part of the Land Environment Tactical Communications and Information Systems (LE TacCIS) programme, which is working to provide the next generation of tactical military communications in the land environment.

  • PRESS RELEASE : One week left to extend Child Benefit claim for teenagers [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : One week left to extend Child Benefit claim for teenagers [August 2023]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 22 August 2023.

    Child Benefit automatically stops when children reach 16 but it can be claimed for children continuing their education or training.

    Parents have one week after GCSE results day to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that their 16-year-old is continuing their education or training, to continue receiving Child Benefit.

    Teenagers will find out their GCSE results this week and many will be considering their future and whether to stay on in education. Child Benefit payments stop on 31 August after a child turns 16, but parents can extend their claim if their child is continuing in approved education or training.

    It is easy for parents to update their Child Benefit record. They can use the online service on GOV.UK or the HMRC app to tell HMRC about their child’s plans.

    HMRC recently wrote to parents about extending their Child Benefit claim. The letter included a QR code which, when scanned, directs them to GOV.UK to update their claim online. Any changes will be applied to their Child Benefit claim immediately.

    Child Benefit will continue to be paid for children who are studying full time which can include:

    • A levels or similar
    • International Baccalaureate
    • home education – if it started before their child turned 16 or after 16 if they have special needs
    • T levels
    • NVQs, up to level 3
    • traineeships in England

    Child Benefit will also continue for children studying on one of these unpaid approved training courses:

    • in Wales: Foundation Apprenticeships, Traineeships or the Jobs Growth Wales+ scheme
    • in Northern Ireland: PEACE IV Children and Young People 2.1, Training for Success or Skills for Life and Work

    Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:

    Child Benefit can provide financial support to families, so make sure you don’t miss out if your teenager is still eligible. You can quickly and easily extend your claim online or via the HMRC app, just search ‘Child Benefit when your child turns 16’ on GOV.UK.

    Parents will need a Government Gateway user ID and password to use HMRC’s online services. They will need their National Insurance number or postcode and 2 forms of ID to register on GOV.UK.

    The government is offering help for households. Check GOV.UK to find out about cost of living support, including help with childcare costs.

    Further information

    More information on Child Benefit for 16-19 year olds

    Parents cannot claim Child Benefit if their child is taking a course that is part of a job contract.

    Parents can view and manage their claim quickly and easily online or on the HMRC app. This includes viewing payment information and proof of their claim, adding additional children and updating their details – all without needing to call HMRC.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Major investment to transform future of English chess announced [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Major investment to transform future of English chess announced [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 22 August 2023.

    New £1 million package will support children attending schools in disadvantaged areas across England to learn and play chess, improve visibility and availability of the game and fund elite playing.

    • Package of measures worth almost £1 million will inspire the next generation of chess players, bringing chess to a wider audience, whilst supporting the development of elite players.
    • Plans will see 100 new chess tables installed in public spaces, and grants for schools in disadvantaged areas to get more primary school children playing chess
    • Investment in the English Chess Federation will ensure players receive world-leading training and development opportunities, and help make England a chess heavyweight
    • Plans form part of Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer’s mission to give young people “someone to talk to, something to do and somewhere to go” outside of school

    Chess will receive a major boost, thanks to a package of measures announced today.

    The package will support primary school children attending schools in disadvantaged areas across England to learn and play chess, improve the visibility and availability of chess in communities, as well as fund elite playing as part of a combined package worth almost £1 million.

    The Department for Culture, Media and Sport will invest £500,000 in the English Chess Federation (ECF) over two years, in order to develop the next generation of world-class talent. Funds will support expert coaching, training camps and cutting-edge computer analysis for international events to assist current grandmasters and up-and-coming players.

    Investment into the ECF will include funding for junior training camps and one-to-one coaching with England internationals, prioritising access for young chess players to take part in an educational, productive activity that helps develop critical thinking skills. A portion of the money will be dedicated to support visually impaired and deaf players to compete in their own elite level competitions.

    This investment comes following a speech at the Onward think tank in July, where Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer set out her commitment to ensure that young people have “someone to talk to, something to do and somewhere to go” outside of school.

    Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

    Chess is a brilliant way for young people to develop skills such as patience and critical thinking. It is something constructive on which to spend their time and feel part of. It inspires creativity and sparks the competitive spirit.

    We want to give more young people the opportunity to find the thing that they love and realise their potential. So this package is focused on getting more young people playing chess and supporting them to develop their talent.

    We’re also equipping our elite chess players with expert coaching to help them dominate at the highest levels of the global game and restore England’s reputation among the best in the world.

    English Chess Federation Director of International Chess Malcolm Pein:

    The unprecedented grant funding will be transformational for English chess, helping to train more grandmasters and beginning the process of regaining England’s former status as a force in international chess.

    The funds will enable us to support a training programme and pipeline for our growing pool of young talent as well as assist our elite players, seniors, visually impaired and deaf players to compete for top honours in their respective international competitions. The funding will also enable the ECF to revitalise the chess tournament circuit here at home.

    Alongside the support committed to elite players, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) will provide £250,000 to 85 Local Authorities throughout England to install 100 new chess tables in public parks and outdoor green spaces, to allow more people to play, connect, tackle loneliness, and develop problem solving skills.

    Local authorities which are currently receiving the Levelling Up Parks Fund (LUPF) and have been identified as communities most in need of improved quality green space will determine where to locate the chess tables.

    In addition, the Government has set out plans to encourage more primary school children, particularly girls, to learn to play the game. The Department for Education will award grants of up to £2,000 to at least 100 schools in disadvantaged areas across England, subject to interest.

    The grants will enable them to purchase chess sets, provide access to weekly online chess tutorials, and set up online learning platforms and curriculum planning materials for teachers. This will give even more young people access to a productive, enriching activity, helping them build relationships and develop key skills that can be used beyond the game.

    Children’s Minister Claire Coutinho said:

    Chess is for everyone, regardless of background. I’m thrilled that more primary school children will learn how to play, boosting their concentration, problem-solving and wellbeing in the process.

    From providing in-person tuition to helping pupils enter competitive tournaments, this funding will support schools to spark a passion for chess in children across the country.

    Learning to play chess is already a skill that young people aged 14-24 can choose to pick up while working towards their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE). Since 2021, 8,000 young people have pursued chess as part of the Skills section of their DofE.

    Harriet Hunt, International Master and former World Girls’ Champion said:

    My own journey into international chess was inspired by the world-leading England players and teams at that time. I am delighted that this government funding will enable the next generation of English talents to reach their potential and compete successfully at the highest level internationally’.

    David Howell, Grandmaster and UK No.1:

    Chess has been my life and, as a professional player, the news of support from the government is music to my ears. Hopefully this will inspire the next generation of chess players, as well as bringing the joys of the game that I love to an even wider audience.

    Jitendra Singh, father of UK’s No.1 chess prodigy Shreyas Royal said:

    I was struggling to support my son with the required chess tournaments and coaching instrumental to his development at such a young and crucial age.

    With this grant from the government we will be able to help more kids flourish at the game through the hard-working organisations of the English Chess Federation and chess in Schools and Communities. I believe that it is also a very beneficial hobby and would love to see more people getting into the game from this monumental announcement.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK is extremely alarmed by increasing settler violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories – UK statement at the Security Council [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK is extremely alarmed by increasing settler violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories – UK statement at the Security Council [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 August 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

    Thank you, President, and I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing.

    The UK is extremely alarmed by the growth of settler violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. So far in 2023, UN agencies have recorded 591 settler-related incidents resulting in Palestinian casualties, property damage or both. That is the highest monthly average of incidents since records began. This includes the murder of Palestinian Qusai Jamal Maatan by settlers, which the UK condemns.

    The displacement of over 400 Palestinians across seven communities from their land due to ongoing settler violence is unacceptable. As an occupying power, Israel is obliged under international humanitarian law to properly provide security for the local population.

    Israeli authorities must do more to hold to account and prevent those who have made the lives of Palestinians – such as in the communities of Al Qaboun and Al Mughayyir – intolerable. This includes thoroughly investigating every instance of settler violence to bring those responsible to justice and end the culture of impunity.

    The UK condemns the abhorrent terrorist attacks in Tel Aviv on Saturday 12 August, the West Bank town of Huwara on 19 August, and the South Hebron hills just today. These attacks have taken the lives of a further four innocent Israelis. The Palestinian Authority must tackle terrorism and incitement.

    We also see continued violations of international humanitarian law in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including evictions and demolitions. On Friday 17 August, Israel demolished a West Bank Protection Consortium school in Ein Samiya. The continued demolition of Palestinian property and the evictions by Israeli authorities from their homes are contrary to international humanitarian law, it renders Palestinians at risk of forcible transfer, and causes unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians. This is harmful to the peace process. Israel must also urgently provide a clear, transparent route to construction for Palestinians in Area C.

    President, UNRWA faces a deep funding crisis. UNRWA can only be a stabilising force in the region whilst it is able to deliver vital services to the Palestinian refugees. We call on members of the council and UN member states to work collectively to fill critical funding gaps.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary’s meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary’s meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 August 2023.

    The Foreign Secretary and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong had a friendly and productive meeting in Sydney today (Monday 21 August).

    The Foreign Secretary welcomed progress and ongoing collaboration on AUKUS. He reiterated the UK’s full commitment to the AUKUS partnership and a free and open Indo-Pacific, as set out in the UK’s Integrated Review Refresh 2023.

    The Foreign Secretary welcomed Australia’s new international development policy and acknowledged close UK-Australia cooperation on shared international development and humanitarian priorities. He also reiterated the UK’s willingness to work with Australia on climate issues, particularly to support Pacific Island Countries which are on the front line of the climate emergency.

    The Foreign Secretary reaffirmed the UK’s determination to work together with Australia to maintain the pressure on Russia and sustain support for Ukraine.

    Both looked forward to seeing each other again in Australia in 2024 for the next iteration of the Australia-UK Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting (AUKMIN). They agreed that the UK-Australia relationship was modern, enduring and forward-looking, and look forward to continuing their close cooperation.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Consumer Council for Water board member reappointed [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Consumer Council for Water board member reappointed [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 21 August 2023.

    Robert Wilson’s second term as a board member will run until December 2026.

    Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey has reappointed Robert Wilson to the board of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW).

    Robert’s first term as a board member for the CCW – the independent, statutory body that represents all water and sewerage consumers across England and Wales – ended on 30 June 2022 and was subsequently extended until 30 December 2023. His second term, announced today, will run until 30 December 2026.

    The reappointment has been made in accordance with the Ministerial Governance Code on Public Appointments. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.

    The Consumer Council for Water provides advice and information on water matters and investigates complaints if customers have tried and failed to resolve issues with their water company or retailer.

    Biography:

    • Robert Wilson is an experienced businessman, Chairman and Non-Executive Director across the private, public and charity sectors.
    • He now invests in innovation and technology-driven SMEs, supporting them as an adviser to aid growth and international trade.
    • Robert is a former Member of Parliament for Reading East, as well as a Minister at the Cabinet Office and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Supporting the transition to electric vehicles [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Supporting the transition to electric vehicles [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 21 August 2023.

    The Defence Support organisation have launched the first of three hydrogen-fuelled charging facilities to power Front-Line Command electric fleet vehicles.

    Starting with RAF Leeming, the hydrogen power units (HPUs) will also be trialled at the Navy’s HMNB DEVONPORT and the Army’s Merville Barracks, Colchester.

    Trialling the use of hydrogen as an energy source is an important step in Defence’s transition to a fleet which is zero-emissions at the tailpipe by the end of December 2027. One where Defence Support maximise the opportunities that new approaches and technology present to reduce emissions whilst delivering operational advantage.

    Air Vice Marshall Richard Hill, Director Defence Support Major Programmes, said:

    Working with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), and the three Services, this trial will further our understanding of hydrogen’s place in Defence’s future energy mix.  Using hydrogen to power some of our white fleet electric vehicles is a significant step forward in accessing a broader range of sustainable energy sources.  This will provide resilience and mobility in off-grid and compromised-supply locations.

    RAF Leeming Station Commander, Group Captain Gareth Prendergast said:

    It is fantastic to be part of the Defence Support programme exploring the use of hydrogen and how it may support Defence capabilities in the future. The GeoPura system allows us to demonstrate the concept here at RAF Leeming and understand how it can increase resiliency on our bases and influence operations at home and overseas.

    The trial, which is being delivered in support of the Sustainable Road Transport (SRT) programme, focuses on hydrogen as a source of fuel. It is just one of the ways Defence might be able to manage electric vehicles in the future. The Defence Support organisation will also be exploring further options, including how Defence can use hydrogen in other ways, such as fully hydrogen-powered vehicles.

    This work aligns with the Government’s target of 100% zero emissions at the tailpipe for car and small van fleet by the end of December 2027, and with the Ministry of Defence and Defence Support’s sustainability aims.

    Group Captain Ange Baker, Defence Support organisation’s Head Support Futures and Operational Energy Authority, said

    It is an important step to start this trial for rapid recharging of our electric car fleet. Not only does this look at supporting the existing charging network and our electric car fleet, but is also part of the wider work to examine future energy options for military use and to start configuring Defence for the global energy transition.

    The Defence Support organisation, part of Strategic Command, are working in partnership with DIO to make sure the energy infrastructure Defence needs meets its requirements. Renewable energy specialists, GeoPura, are providing all the energy, charging and payment infrastructure for the facility.

    Rebecca McLean, Chief Commercial Officer at GeoPura said:

    GeoPura is delighted to support RAF Leeming and the MOD in delivering off-grid charging for its growing EV fleet as part of the wider Sustainable Road Transport programme. Hydrogen-powered generators provide a reliable and environmentally friendly source of power with zero harmful emissions, completely unrestricted by grid limitations.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Minister urges social landlords to open the door to childminders [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Minister urges social landlords to open the door to childminders [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 21 August 2023.

    Minister Coutinho writes to housing associations, social landlords and developers to urge them to allow childminders to work from their rented properties.

    Housing associations, social landlords and developers in England are being urged to allow childminders to work in their rented properties, to help encourage entry into the profession and increase availability of childcare for parents.

    The Children and Families Minister, Claire Coutinho, has today written to housing associations, developers and landlords, urging them to better support prospective childminders who too often face restrictive clauses in contracts which stop them from working in their homes. This will help tackle the unfair barriers to those who rent or have leasehold properties, compared with those who own their own home.

    It comes as the government today launches new measures to support and inspire more people into the childminding sector. This forms part of the government roll out of its new childcare offer – the single biggest investment in childcare in England ever. This massive new investment will take expected Government spending on childcare to over £8bn in total by 27-28 helping parents, especially mothers, access flexible childcare support, return to work and help us to meet our ambition to grow the economy.

    The government has already tabled amendments to the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill (LURB) that will mean that childminders can work together in groups of up to four childminders in total, and spend more time working outside of their own homes such as in a community centre or village hall.

    The government will also consult on reducing registration times to around 10 weeks, make sure childminders are paid monthly by local authorities, and soon launch the childminder start-up grant, worth up to £1,200 for all childminders who have joined the profession since the Spring Budget.

    The number of childminders operating in England has more than halved over the past ten years, with many comparable countries facing similar pressures. The Government is determined to reverse that trend in England, and give parents maximum choice and flexibility when the radical expansion of free childcare begins from April 2024.

    Recognising the need to grow and support the sector, the government has already boosted the funding rates paid to early years providers including childminders to deliver free hours – increasing them from an average of £5.29 to £5.62 for three and four-year-olds, and from an average of £6.00 to £7.95 for two-year-olds.

    At the same time the Prime Minister and Education Secretary are urging every parent to check they are claiming the free childcare hours they are already entitled to, with the data showing around one in 20 children nationally may be missing out. There are just ten days to go to claim for hours for the upcoming autumn term.

    Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, said:

    Over the next few years we are doubling our investment into free childcare, bringing 30 free hours for working parents of children down to just nine months old by 2025.

    I wouldn’t want any family to miss out because they can’t find childcare that meets their needs or simply didn’t know how much they were entitled to.

    With just ten days to go to sign up for free childcare hours for the autumn term, my message to every parent is don’t delay, check today!

    Children, Families and Wellbeing Minister, Claire Coutinho, said:

    We have outstanding, high quality childminders, offering flexible and accessible childcare in a home-like environment.

    Too often prospective childminders are having the door slammed in their faces because they face a blanket ban on working from home.

    However, parents tell us time and again how much they value the flexibility and quality that childminders bring so we are making sure that we are supporting the workforce to deliver what parents need.

    To do this in the best possible way, we are addressing the challenges childminders face including loneliness, where they work, long registration times and local authority pay timetables. Through our support of the sector, we will deliver the flexible care that parents need.

    Every working parent of three- and four-year-olds is being encouraged to check what they are entitled to for the autumn term so that they are getting the maximum possible support now, and are ready to sign up for the new offers when they roll out early next year.

    Childminders can currently face challenging registration processes, and according to data collected by Tiney, a childminder agency, one in eight prospective childminders who did not complete the registration process were unable to do so because they could not secure permission to work from their home.

    Childminders who are living in leasehold properties are sometimes being blocked by so-called restrictive covenants, which say that the properties cannot be used for business purposes. Some who are living in rented accommodation have found that their tenancy agreements prevent them from registering their business or that their landlords’ mortgage agreements include restrictions from the lender.

    Within the letter to landlords, Minister Coutinho has urged them to engage with prospective childminders to unblock these issues wherever possible, for the good of local communities.

    On top of the existing offers, from April 2024, eligible working parents will get 15 free hours for two-year-olds, from September 2024, 15 free hours will be available from nine months, and from September 2025, 30 free hours will be available from nine months until the start of school.

    The offers will help more parents to increase their hours or return to work, as part of wider government support to families to help with rising prices.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Tens of thousands of students receive free training to build cyber skills [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Tens of thousands of students receive free training to build cyber skills [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 21 August 2023.

    Schools are being encouraged to take advantage of free resources to boost cyber skills and set up aspiring young people to aim for careers in cyber.

    • Teachers across the UK urged to sign up and access free resources to help secondary school children build skills and consider a career in cyber
    • schools have registered more than 50,000 students with the UK government’s Cyber Explorers programme since it launched in 2022
    • half of all UK businesses have a basic cyber security skills gap, while a lack of cyber skills means young people could miss out on innovative and exciting careers

    As students get ready to go back to school this September, schools are being encouraged to take advantage of free resources to boost cyber skills and set up aspiring young people to aim for careers in cyber.

    More than 50,000 students from 2,000 schools around the country have already been signed up to Cyber Explorers, a free learning platform provided by the UK government that introduces 11-14 year-olds to important cyber security concepts, supporting learning objectives for Key Stage 2 and 3.

    Students can explore a variety of engaging and challenging cyber scenarios, collect virtual badges, and learn tips and tricks from the Cyber Ranger and experts in the Cyber Squad. Through interactive quizzes and activities they will learn how digital, computing, and cyber skills can help them navigate the online world and unlock exciting new career paths, ranging from social media content creation to medical research, and sports technology to AI innovation.

    The government has an ambition to develop a pipeline of talent to meet the growing needs of the UK’s in-demand cyber security industry. Cyber Explorers was launched in February 2022 to equip pupils with the skills and knowledge to pursue computer science courses at Key Stage 4, opening up a range of opportunities for further training and employment.

    Cyber Minister Viscount Camrose said:

    The UK’s growing cyber sector is where the technological innovations and digital discoveries of the future will start. That’s why we’re focused on breaking down the barriers to entry, and creating new opportunities for young people to gain the skills and knowledge that could kick-start exciting careers in cyber.

    More than 2,000 schools across the country are already signed up to Cyber Explorers, meaning that tens of thousands of pupils can benefit from the resources on offer – and we want to make sure even more get that chance this year.

    All teachers, parents and guardians of home-schooled students have to do is register their students to access free lesson plans, resources, and guides for wider educational support.

    Schools taking part in Cyber Explorers have also played host to a number of career-focused sessions for students, with visits from the likes of Amazon and Verizon showcasing to students some of the practical applications of cyber skills.

    A report on cyber security skills in the UK labour market published last year found that around half of all businesses had a basic cyber skills gap. The number of cyber security job postings rose by 30 per cent to 160,000, although the cyber workforce in the UK is facing a shortfall of around 11,200 people. Women make up only 17 per cent of employees in the sector, while senior roles are typically not representative of gender or ethnic diversity across wider society.

    Against this backdrop, the UK government is investing in the next generation of cyber professionals and security experts, helping young people to develop the skills and the knowledge prized by a UK cyber sector worth £10.5 billion.

    Karen Morris, Year 8 teacher, Stroud High School said:

    The Cyber Explorers platform has provided a way for us to teach about cyber skills to our Year 8 students in an engaging, and creative way. The fact that this platform is so good yet free is just fantastic!

    Cyber Explorers is part of a suite of initiatives launched by the government to build and strengthen cyber skills for those in education and employment. The National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) CyberFirst programme is designed to nurture talent and help under 25 year olds develop a passion for tech by introducing them to the world of cyber security, offering support, skills, experience, and exciting opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds.

    Chris Ensor, NCSC Deputy Director for Cyber Growth, said:

    I’m always delighted to see more students being introduced to the exciting world of cyber security, and Cyber Explorers acts a fun and engaging first step on that journey.

    The UK’s cyber industry is growing rapidly, but it’s facing a skills shortage as a result – which is why it’s so important to have initiatives such as Cyber Explorers which work to uncover cyber talent and support young people across the country in exploring the career opportunities this thriving industry has to offer.

    As part of the CyberFirst Programme, Cyber Explorers will play a key role in making cyber more accessible to young people, building the cyber skills pipeline of the future.

    The government’s commitment to enhancing and expanding Britain’s cyber skills is set out in the Science and Technology Framework and the £2.6 billion National Cyber Strategy.

    Programmes such as Cyber Explorers and Cyber First continue to play a vital role in that mission as builds a digital workforce to unleash innovation, unlock opportunity, and secure the UK’s digital economy.