Tag: Department for Education

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 1 June 2023.

Landmark legislation will ensure universities protect and promote freedom of speech on campus, fulfilling a manifesto promise to bolster academic freedom.

A huge step forward was taken for protecting free speech in our universities as Professor Arif Ahmed has been appointed as the new Director overseeing free speech at the Office for Students.

While there are already statutory duties on universities to protect free speech – our newly passed Freedom of Speech Act will ensure that universities promote this fundamental value.

The appointment of Professor Ahmed as the new Director follows the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill successfully becoming law on 11 May. The historic legislation will establish a new free speech complaints system, while also strengthening the legal duties on higher education providers in England to protect and promote freedom of speech on campuses up and down the country, for students, staff and visiting speakers.

Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing Claire Coutinho said:

We’re making history with the Freedom of Speech Act, ensuring that fear does not undermine the rights of students and academics to debate controversial ideas and securing the right to an open exchange of ideas in universities.

The new Director for Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom will sit on the board of the Office for Students, with responsibility for investigations of breaches of the new freedom of speech duties, including a new complaints scheme for students, staff and visiting speakers who have suffered loss due to a breach.

Director for Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom Professor Ahmed said:

Free speech and academic freedom are vital to the core purpose of universities and colleges. They are not partisan values. They are also fundamental to our civilization.

As Director, I will defend them using all means available. I feel tremendously honoured and fortunate to have been appointed.

The Prime Minister recently stressed the importance of Freedom of Speech on campuses saying:

A free society requires free debate. We should all be encouraged to engage respectfully with the ideas of others.

University should be an environment where debate is supported, not stifled.

A tolerant society is one which allows us to understand those we disagree with, and nowhere is that more important than within our great universities.

The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 delivers on the Government’s commitment to strengthen academic freedom and free speech in higher education, helping to protect the reputation of our universities as centres of academic freedom.

Registered higher education providers in England will have extended legal duties not only to take steps to secure freedom of speech and academic freedom, but also to promote these important values. Students’ unions will also be held to the same legal responsibilities as universities and their colleges to take reasonably practicable steps to ensure lawful freedom of speech. Higher education providers and students’ unions that fail to comply may face sanctions, including fines.

The press release issued by the Department of Education on 31 May 2023.

Leading experts in child safeguarding, health, teaching, curriculum development and equalities to contribute to review of the statutory guidance on relationships, sex and health education.

Today the Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, has announced the formation of an independent expert advisory panel who will advise on the review of the relationships, sex and health education curriculum. This is the next step in progressing the government’s mission to ensure that RSHE is taught in an age-appropriate and factual way in England.

The panel will provide expert advice to the Education Secretary on what is appropriate to be taught in RSHE and at what age. They will consider evidence provided by Ofsted on what is happening on the ground in schools to ascertain where clear age ratings are needed, to reassure parents that there is no room for disturbing or inappropriate content to be taught in schools.

This announcement follows robust action to ensure parents know what their children are being taught. In March, the Education Secretary wrote to all schools reminding them that parents should be able to view all curriculum materials, especially for sensitive topics like RSHE.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, said:

The wellbeing and safeguarding of children is our absolute priority, and I share the concerns of parents and teachers about reports that inappropriate lessons are being taught in schools.

The vast majority of teachers do an incredible job navigating these complex and sensitive issues. But the review of the statutory guidance – with the help of this expert panel – will provide clear safeguards against children being taught concepts they are too young to understand or that are inappropriate for their age.

I’m determined to bring forward new guidance as quickly as possible, and schools should continue to engage with parents on lessons that cover the teaching of sensitive issues.

The panel members were carefully considered based on their level of relevant experience and expertise and will bring together input from health, children’s development, and safeguarding:

• Professor Dame Lesley Regan, professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Imperial College London and the government’s first ever Women’s Health Ambassador
• Sir Hamid Patel, Chief Executive of Star Academies
• Helena Brothwell, Regional Director of School Improvement for David Ross Academy Trust
• Alasdair Henderson, barrister specialising in public law, human rights and equality law
• Isabelle Trowler, Chief Social Worker for Children and Families in England

Chief Executive of Star Academies, Sir Hamid Patel, said:

The panel will offer insight on how schools can deliver a high quality RSHE curriculum for all our young people in a way that is age-appropriate, objective and wisely informed by the needs and views of children, parents and families from all backgrounds, across the country.

The review is a welcome opportunity to provide clarity for teachers on expectations, alongside transparency and reassurance for parents.

This is the first review of the statutory guidance since it came into force in 2020. It will provide an opportunity to consider whether the guidance covers the right topics and offers teachers clarity on how to teach sensitive subjects and engage parents positively.

The review of the curriculum will also make sure priority issues are given the attention they deserve, including considering new or additional content on mental health, suicide prevention, vaping and tackling violence against women and girls.

The review will be completed by the end of the year, following a consultation in the autumn. Input from the independent panel and wider stakeholders over the summer will inform the consultation.

The panel will begin work immediately and conclude their work by September 2023. The panel members are expected to give their time on a voluntary basis.

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 24 May 2023.

Local employer skills gaps to be addressed with a funding boost to transform training and grow the economy.

Local communities across the country are set to benefit from a share of £165 million to transform skills training in their area and help get more people into jobs closer to home.

Further education providers are invited to apply for cash from the Local Skills Improvement Fund, which will be used to renovate facilities with up-to-date equipment, help to upskill teachers, and deliver new courses in key subjects such as green construction, carbon capture and cyber security that meet the needs of local employers. This means that wherever there are skills black holes, they will now be filled.

Thousands of people will benefit from this boost to skills training, helping them secure good jobs close to where they live. It will also provide a boost to local economies, as employers will have access to a workforce which is equipped with the specific skills businesses need to grow.

Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon said:

Building a world-class skills and apprenticeships nation means listening to the specific needs of local people, businesses, and institutions.

This funding will revolutionise how we plug local skills gaps and provide a boost to the economy. Supporting colleges to better meet the needs of local employers not only boosts businesses, it extends the ladder of opportunity to even more people from all backgrounds who will be equipped with the skills they need to secure a rewarding job close to home.

Successful applicants will receive funding to invest in a broad range of initiatives that respond to the specific priorities identified in each area’s Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP). The plans have been created by employer representative bodies in every region of the country and set out the key priorities and changes needed in each area to make post-16 technical training more closely aligned to local labour market needs.

The initiative builds on the success of the Strategic Development Fund, which has already made £157 million available to the further education sector to invest in a range of projects that have had a huge impact on plugging skills gaps in communities up and down the country. This includes investment in the equipment and facilities needed to upskill people in areas such as electric and hybrid vehicle maintenance, automation and artificial intelligence.

New City College is part of the collaborative Green Academy Partnership of 13 colleges across London which received a share of £961,000 revenue and £1.5 million capital SDF funding for Green Labs, with investment in key technologies in the low carbon and renewables sector.

Jamie Stevenson, Group Executive Director at New City College said:

Being the project lead for the Central London Forward SDF project has enabled us, alongside local employers and stakeholders, to pioneer a new way of working. From the project’s inception, we have worked collaboratively to identify and meet the local need for high quality technical training to develop green skills. This has included upskilling teaching staff and setting an industry-leading standard for low carbon energy learning labs.

The SDF has made an important contribution to local people and employers in central London by providing access to green skills training which supports people to get a good job or further develop their career in the low carbon energy sector, enabling us to work towards meeting the 2050 net zero challenge.

Weston College is 1 of 4 colleges in the West of England which received a share of £1.2 million revenue and £1.5 million capital SDF funding to invest in training and state-of-the-art equipment for the Aerospace, Advanced Engineering and Health and Social Care sectors to meet the urgent skills needs of the region and the pace of technological development.

Sir Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College said:

This funding has been a catalyst for change for our delivery of skills in the West of England, bringing together educational providers and employers around the table to ensure partnerships are both proactive and effective.

We have been able to use the funds to tailor provision to employer needs but also to ensure it fits with the regions we serve. It is absolutely important that this ground breaking work continues to advance with the flexibilities to match each area’s priorities and the specialist skills needed for the industries that are so key to both our regional and national economic growth.

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 23 May 2023.

The Government will be raising the subsidy rate for the National Tutoring Programme to 50% in 2023-24.

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

859 academies, sixth-form colleges and voluntary-aided schools will receive funding to improve their school buildings.

Over 1,000 school building improvement projects will receive the green light today as part of plans to boost the condition of the school estate.

859 academies, sixth-form colleges and voluntary-aided schools in every region of the country will receive a share of a £456 million pot created to help refurbish and repair school buildings.

The condition improvement funding will ensure that pupils can learn in safe, warm and energy efficient classrooms.

Overall, the government has committed £1.8 billion of capital funding for the financial year 2023 to 2024 to improve the condition of school buildings – including £1.1 billion for local authorities, large multi-academy trusts and voluntary aided bodies announced in March.

Minister for the School System, Baroness Diana Barran MBE said:

Our Condition Improvement Fund has already completed over 11,000 projects, making a difference to pupils and teachers across the country. These projects help to create safer learning environments that make a difference to the quality of education for pupils.

It’s hugely important that every school has access to high-quality learning facilities and these funding allocations will make sure that responsible bodies can start to plan ahead and get projects started to replace roofs, boilers and windows – so pupils and teachers can learn and work in a comfortable space.

The department has allocated over £15 billion since 2015 to support the government’s priority for schools to have safe, well-maintained facilities that support a high-quality education for pupils.

The announcement follows on from 239 new school buildings confirmed in December as part of the Schools Rebuilding Programme, with 400 out of 500 schools and sixth-form colleges now been selected for rebuilds through the 10-year programme.

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 18 May 2023.

Government announces £15 million to help young people in disadvantaged areas to learn outside and experience nature.

• £15 million to help young people in deprived and nature-depleted areas learn outside
• Funding will also allow schools, colleges and nurseries to improve biodiversity on their sites
• New virtual ‘National Education Nature Park’ will help children and young people connect to nature and develop green skills

Nurseries, schools and colleges with the least access to nature are set to receive a funding boost that will help them develop the biodiversity of their site and improve their outside learning facilities.

To mark outdoor classroom day (18 May), the Department for Education has announced £15 million to support young people to get outdoors and learn about the natural world.

Schools, colleges and nurseries that are ranked the lowest in Natural England’s measure of local access to natural space and are in areas with high levels of deprivation will be eligible for a grant.

The funding could be used to buy equipment that might be preventing children in deprived areas from taking part in outdoor learning or providing accessible routes to nature in SEND schools. It could also help with the purchase of outdoor equipment and clothing, the creation of outdoor teaching areas and the purchase of teaching tools such as acoustic listening devices.

Alongside this funding, a new online ‘National Education Nature Park’ will be launched to allow young people to learn from other schools, colleges and nurseries who are taking steps to improve their biodiversity. The initiative – being delivered in partnership with the Natural History Museum and Royal Horticultural Society – will allow pupils to document and upload the steps they have taken to improve the natural environment around their site – such a creating a pond or rewilding a piece of land. Collecting and sharing biodiversity data in this way will enhance their skills in mapping, numeracy and spatial awareness.

Schools, colleges, and nurseries can, from today, register their interest in the National Education Nature Park ahead of a full launch in autumn 2023.

Minister for the School System, Baroness Barran said:

It’s so important that we give young people the opportunity to get outside to learn about the natural world and the importance protecting our precious biodiversity.

This funding will give schools, colleges and nurseries the resources they need to create thriving green spaces, halt the decline of nature and improve access to outside learning.

“Through the innovative new National Education Nature Park, students will also be able to enhance their skills and knowledge of mapping and numeracy, helping to equip them for the jobs of the future

Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum said:

We are absolutely thrilled to be working with the Department for Education and our partners to make the National Education Nature Park and Climate Action Awards start to become a reality.

In the face of the planetary emergency and Museum research showing that the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, having our scientists sharing their world-leading biodiversity expertise with the scientists of tomorrow gives me so much hope, both for the future of biodiversity in this country and for the futures of the young people taking part”.

Clare Matterson CBE, Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society, said:

From creating pollinator-friendly habitats, digging ponds, identifying wildlife or planning planting schemes, nurseries, schools and colleges will be able to play a driving role in mapping, monitoring and enhancing biodiversity on their doorstep.

Children and young people will have a chance to create and grow a garden that works for wildlife, to learn new skills and understand impacts of climate change – all of which offers a gateway to a lifelong interest in nature, biodiversity and sustainability”.

As part of the programme, the Natural History Museum will create curriculum resources and lessons plans for each key stage to support education about climate change and biodiversity.

Schools, colleges and nurseries could also be recognised with a new Climate Action Award, designed to celebrate success in supporting children and young people to have a positive impact on their environment whilst developing new skills essential for a sustainable future in bioscience, data science, numeracy and horticulture.

Additional information

• The National Education Nature Park is a partnership, led by Esri UK and the Natural History Museum, working with the Royal Horticultural Society, the Royal Society, Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)), Learning through Landscapes, Manchester Metropolitan University and additional supporting partners, will work with the education sector to help them to map, manage and enhance all the land across the education estate, creating one, vast, virtual, nature park.
• This could play an important part in increasing biodiversity across the education estate and have a real impact on halting the decline of nature in England.
• Within the park’s online hub there will be a wealth of information and teaching resources to help education settings in delivering climate education, developing climate resilience, and driving decarbonisation.
• It is estimated that there will be over 400,000 new jobs in low carbon industries in the future. Equipping our young people with the skills to take advantage of those opportunities is a priority.  Through this project children and young people will develop valuable skills in bioscience, natural history, data analytics and digital skills.

All education settings would be eligible if they fit the following criteria:

• They had submitted a school level census return in term 1 of 2021-22
• The education setting was in an Lower Tier Local Authority deemed to be in a category 1 “Levelling up area” by DLUHC in its 2nd round of Levelling Up Fund
• The education setting was in an LSOA described by Natural England as an L1 area (less than 5% of the LSOA was covered by or within 300m of accessible natural green space)
• The education sector in the UK will play a critical role in positively responding to climate change and inspiring action on an international stage.  DfE’s vision is for the ‘UK education sector to be a world leader in sustainability and climate change by 2030’.
• The Department is helping to create a sustainable future through education, developing the skills needed for a green economy, and supporting our sectors to reach net zero targets.
• The Department’s strategy for Sustainability and Climate Change has been informed by stakeholders and young people and sets out action to 2030 on: 1) climate education; 2) green skills and careers; 3) the education estate and digital infrastructure; 4) operations and supply chains, and; 5) international.  This action will be evaluated and built on as new opportunities and evidence arise.  The Strategy is available via this link: Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy (Gov uk)
• The Strategy sets out new initiatives including extra support for teaching about nature and climate change, the introduction of a Natural History GCSE, a National Education Nature Park, Climate Action Award and support for education leaders to take a whole-setting approach to climate change.
• From the late Autumn, nurseries, schools, colleges and universities will be able to access more support to help lead, develop and implement a climate action plan to take a holistic approach to sustainability – from participating in the Park and Award, teaching about climate change and taking practical steps to adapt and decarbonise buildings for the future.
• The Department for Education and Times Higher Education are delighted to announce the International Green Skills Conference: Skills for a Changing World, taking place on Thursday 28th September at Imperial College London. The conference will shine a light on the breadth of, and appetite for green skills learning and training opportunities and career pathways within a global context and explore how skills can support the transition to net zero. We hope you can join us! https://www.timeshighered-events.com/green-skills-conference-2023/home

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 18 May 2023.

Successful attendance programmes expanded by Government to get more children into school.

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 16 May 2023.

England came fourth out of the 43 countries that tested children of the same age in the Progress International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS).

England came fourth internationally for primary reading proficiency in the highly anticipated Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) results. This continued success in PIRLS follows the focus on phonics and is driven by improvements for the least able pupils.

Despite disruption from the pandemic, England’s score remained stable following significant improvements in 2011 and 2016, coming fourth out of the 43 countries who tested the standard 9-10-year-old cohort. Direct comparison of countries’ performance between 2016 and 2021 is complicated by Covid-19 disruption.

England’s score of 558 was well above the international average of 520 and the European average of 524.

The PIRLS rankings are widely regarded as the international benchmark for primary reading capability and are typically carried out every five years.

This success follows on from a series of reforms to improve standards in reading including the introduction of the Phonics Screening Check and the introduction of the English Hubs programme. To celebrate England’s performance, Schools Minister Nick Gibb visited a leading English Hub, the Jerry Clay Academy in Wakefield, to take part in a literacy class and see first-hand the improvement in reading standards.

The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said:

Driving up literacy rates is central to our plan to grow the economy, one of my 5 key priorities, so it’s great to see England move up to fourth in the international rankings for reading.

These results also show a welcome narrowing in the attainment gap between boys and girls and the highest and lowest performing pupils.

This shows that our approach is working. Thanks to our brilliant teachers, our tireless pursuit of standards, the pioneering English Hubs programme and the introduction of the Phonics Screening Check – more children are reading confidently and reaching their potential.

While there is always more progress to be made, pupils and teachers across the country should be incredibly proud of this achievement today.

Schools Minister Nick Gibb said:

Driving up standards in literacy has been the Government’s long-term priority, and our focus over the past decade has been on improving the teaching of reading through the tried and tested approach of phonics.

With the introduction of the Phonics Screening Check and the English Hubs Programme, we have given students across the country a solid foundation in reading, and as today’s results show, one which is internationally recognised.

I am grateful to all the teachers and teaching assistants who have made this possible. Not only are they giving their pupils skills vital for success in their later education, but also a lifelong love and respect for one of life’s greatest pleasures.

The Department for Education introduced the Phonics Screening Check in 2012, to ensure every 6-year-old is on track with their reading. In 2012, only 58% reached the expected standard, by 2019 just before the pandemic this had reached 82%.

The £60 million English Hubs programme was rolled out in 2018 and is designed to develop expertise in teaching reading in schools. The lead schools work with partner schools by modelling best practice and providing expert teachers to help them raise reading standards through phonics. Analysis published today shows that partner schools supported by the English Hubs Programme outperformed other schools by around 7 percentage points in their Phonics Screening Checks.

PIRLS also showed both the gender gap, between boys and girls scores, and the attainment gap, between the highest and lowest performing pupils, are continuing to narrow. Equally, the attainment gap between pupils who like reading “very much” and those who “do not like” reading has also decreased to its lowest ever level, meaning even pupils who do not enjoy reading are still proficiently skilled in it.

Our robust approach to teaching early reading proved essential to protecting reading proficiency from Covid-19 disruption. Only 11 of the 43 countries which tested pupils of the same age in PIRLS 2021 were able to avoid significant declines in their scores, including England.

The pandemic caused disruption to the study itself, with some countries testing pupils of the standard age range in 2021, others delaying testing by 6 months and testing older children, and others delaying testing by a whole year. To minimise disruption in schools during the pandemic, England tested a year later in 2022 meaning that England was testing the standard age group, allowing direct comparisons to be drawn.

The IEA, the organisers of the study, have decided that direct comparisons to countries who delayed the assessment and tested older children should not be drawn. This means countries like Ireland and Northern Ireland are not presented in the main rankings, although their scores are still available to view.

 

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 4 May 2023.

Six green apprenticeships are to be marked with the Coronation emblem in recognition of their sustainability credentials.

Six green apprenticeships have been hand-picked by industry experts to mark the Coronation in recognition of their sustainability credentials, the Department for Education has announced today (4 May 2023).

In honour of His Majesty The King’s Coronation, the apprenticeships have been selected for their contribution to creating a low carbon economy by ensuring the country’s workforce is equipped with the skills needed to support the transition to net zero.

The official Coronation emblem will be used by employers and Government to promote the six apprenticeships, which include Low Carbon Heating Technician, Sustainability Business Specialist and Countryside Worker.  The apprenticeships are the gold-standard for green skills training, encouraging more people to take up the opportunity to gain the skills to build an exciting career in the green industry while meeting the skills needs of employers and boosting economic growth, one of the Prime Minister’s 5 priorities.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said:

As we work towards our net zero goals, it has never been more important to prioritise green skills and protect our natural environment. In recognition of the critical role education and skills play in responding to climate change, these green apprenticeships have been selected in honour of His Majesty The King’s Coronation.

These gold-standard, sustainable apprenticeships offer people the chance to embark on exciting new careers in industries from forestry to construction, and contribute to creating a more sustainable economy.

The six apprenticeships are:

• Countryside Worker (level 2)
• Forest Craftsperson (level 3)
• Low Carbon Heating Technician (level 3)
• Installation Electrician and Maintenance Electrician (level 3)
• Sustainability Business Specialist (level 7)
• Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner (level 4)

The six sustainable apprenticeships were designed by employers working with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE), who considered the impact of each occupation on the environment and future workforce. They also reflect His Majesty’s longstanding commitment to ensuring natural assets endure for future generations, integrating renewable energy sources into our everyday lives, and applying sustainability into every aspect of our economy.

Jennifer Coupland, chief executive of IfATE, said:

These six apprenticeships represent the gold-standard for green skills and will pave the way for hundreds more.

We all have a role to play in tackling climate change. Thanks to vital input from a range of employers we are one step closer to putting the environment at the heart of apprenticeships.

We urge more employers to get involved and hope many students will consider these exciting career opportunities.

The six apprenticeships were selected from a list of over 200 identified by IfATE’s expert green skills panel, showcasing the variety of green apprenticeships available. The panel works with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Department for Education, supported by employers to make sure the right skills are in place to deliver the technology shift and nature-based solutions the UK needs.

To mark the announcement, the Education Secretary visited Richmond Park and met apprentices already working as apprentices on these six apprenticeships.

Andrew Scattergood, Chief Executive of The Royal Parks, said:

The Royal Parks charity was pleased to welcome the Secretary of State and apprentices from around the country to Richmond Park this morning. The development of green skills and the ability to access those development opportunities has never been more important.

The press release issued by Department for Education on 1 May 2023.

To mark the Coronation all state funded primary schools will be sent wildflower seeds, inspired by His Majesty The King’s love of nature.

• Government has joined forces with the Eden Project to offer all state funded primary schools the opportunity to plant wildflowers to celebrate His Majesty The King’s commitment to fighting climate change
• Planting wildflowers aims to inspire children to learn about nature and boost the biodiversity of the school estate, building on the plans to create a National Education Nature Park
• Resources for schools also launched to help young people understand the historical significance of the Coronation

To mark the Coronation all state funded primary schools will be sent wildflower seeds that will empower children across the country to discover the joys of nature.

The government-funded project was inspired by His Majesty The King’s love of nature and aims to encourage children to learn about and improve the biodiversity of school’s green spaces, while making them nicer places to work and learn. Improving children’s connection to nature and spending time outdoors will also help to support their mental and physical wellbeing.

In a collaboration between the Department for Education and the Eden Project, over 200,000 seeds packets will be sent to schools, representing 40 hectares of new wildflower areas being planted up across England to support our pollinators. If planted together that would create around 40 rugby pitch sized wildflowers meadows – a small but vital step in boosting biodiversity.

To support schools to celebrate the Coronation, the Department for Education has also commissioned a series of lesson plans and other teaching materials for primary and secondary schools to explain the significance of this historical moment.

The charity Living Paintings has also designed, created and published a pack of tactile and audio resources that will enable blind and partially sighted children to learn about the Coronation, and the Eden Project has also created free lesson resources for schools and families to learn how to make eco-decorations for their Coronation celebrations using natural objects found in their surrounding green spaces.

Schools and other education providers can continue to improve biodiversity in the months and years to come through the National Education Nature Park – which brings together schools, colleges and other education settings into a vast virtual park. It enables children and young people to get involved in taking practical action to improve the biodiversity of their green spaces, then mapping it online to see over time how the virtual park changes. The National Education Nature Park and Climate Action Award are open for registration from 18 May 2023.

Schools minister Nick Gibb said:

Giving children the opportunity to plant wildflowers will not only make school grounds more attractive, it will also help the next generation understand the importance of improving our biodiversity, while celebrating His Majesty The King’s love of nature.

To help young people understand the historical significance of the Coronation, we have also asked two history teachers and curriculum experts to produce lesson plans and other materials about the coronation and the history of the monarchy, which we are sending to schools.

Dan James, Development Director for the Eden Project said:

It is crucial that we replenish our biodiversity across the UK – and even small steps can make a difference.

Through the work of National Wildflower Centre, Eden Project works with organisations across the UK with projects to make new wildflower habitats that support wildlife and connect people to the natural world. This is a fantastic opportunity for the next generation to see the impact that wildflowers can have, even in small spaces.

By encouraging our children to plant wildflower seeds we can work towards reversing the decline of pollinators that we are seeing across the UK which is so important for our future.

The packets of seeds include native annual wildflower species; cornflower, corn poppy, corn chamomile, corncockle, corn marigold and night-flowering catchfly, which if sown this Spring, will be in bloom this Summer.

The wildflowers will provide food for a wide range of insects including bees, butterflies and other pollinators in school grounds across England. Each seed packet covers around 2square metres of blue, white, purple, red and yellow flowers that can be planted in pots, beds or borders to boost colour and biodiversity in school grounds across England.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has commissioned a film for primary school-aged children, explaining the history and significance of the Coronation. This can be played in classrooms or assemblies and gives children the opportunity to discover the history and importance of the Coronation, the role of His Majesty The King, and the significance of the Monarchy around the world.

The National Education Nature Park is just one of many initiatives in the DfE’s strategy for Sustainability and Climate Change that will provide learners with the resources to live, learn, work and participate in a contemporary global society.

Through climate education, green skills and careers, the Department is helping to create a sustainable future through education, developing the skills needed for a green economy, and supporting our sectors to reach net zero targets.