Andy Burnham has been appointed Prime Minister and he immediately reshuffled the cabinet. Former political journalist Paul Waugh has taken over from Olivia Bailey and we assume he will be the minister overseeing home education. Schools Week covered this unexpected appointment in detail. While he lacks direct qualifications in education, his history of scrutinising government decisions could bring a helpful level of professional curiosity to the role.
Meanwhile, Lucy Powell steps in as Secretary of State for Education. While we do not expect overnight reversals of existing acts of parliament, her initial comments criticising spelling tests for very young children show a possible softening in certain areas. It is vital to follow these new appointees on social media and politely engage with their pages so that the home education voice remains visible.
One of the most pressing issues we face is the continued push for digital tracking. Defend Digital Me has published an incredibly thorough briefing detailing the 10-year vision for data justice, mapping out the worrying trajectory of how children’s data is shared.
The ultimate concern is the creation of a unique identifier for children, which essentially functions as a digital ID. This identifier is designed to link various pieces of data to a single profile, following a child well into adulthood. Understanding what information goes into these files, who holds it and who has the power to share it is critical. The article also provides excellent templates and suggestions for raising these concerns with Lucy Powell, Lisa Nandy and other key ministers once Parliament resumes.
The legal challenge against the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act is gaining momentum, but we still need your help. The crowdfunder to challenge the risk of reducing rights to family life has reached nearly £34,000, but judicial reviews are expensive and we must build a robust fund to see this through to the end. Please consider donating the cost of your weekly coffee or organising a local fundraiser with your home education group.
Furthermore, the legal team led by Michael Charles is actively looking for co-claimants to support the legal challenge. They need very specific stories to prove how the act will harm families and restrict choice. Further details and contact information are on the post linked above.
Now that parliament is on summer recess we’ll be taking a break from our weekly updates and livestreams, short of any breaking news that affects the community.
Follow & join us:
Top Stories
Crowdfunder for Judicial Review: Challenge the risk of reducing rights to family life: https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/challenge-the-risk-of-reducing
Co-claimants callout post from Michael Charles:
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02ubAwRJieE1wTGn85kEeyp6UqTCvwkG4hfdNoEqYBbRFQDuVpugogjr8daqGr8BLWl&id=1212271077&__cft__[0]=AZa4d-J5_jYuvq4hQc-dTOK2mByKX7YekKc4esBBIfIaVwsnmCCvsCjMDF8XnJ0wvf24z94vn9APj_9PCCwkKz30oHtEg7GNFcQSwlIjLbjpH2Ilul3ceN2tnVvzSwYSd4VdaontMhgAJREnWWXG5VIvUriZZCO7tgYR6Q9G0P_Jqg&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-RPaul Waugh becomes education minister as Olivia Bailey leaves DfE: https://schoolsweek.co.uk/burnham-reshuffle-paul-waugh-becomes-education-minister-as-olivia-bailey-leaves-dfe/
From data collection to data justice: a decade of ministers, and our 10 year vision - Defend Digital Me: https://defenddigitalme.org/2026/07/22/from-data-collection-to-data-justice-a-decade-of-ministers-and-our-10-year-vision/
News
Home-educated children’s creativity shines at exhibition - www.dawlish-today.co.uk: https://www.dawlish-today.co.uk/news/home-educated-childrens-creativity-shines-at-exhibition-930033
Mini gallery in Leamington showcases creativity of home schooled children in Warwickshire - Leamington Nub News: https://leamington.nub.news/news/local-news/mini-gallery-in-leamington-showcases-creativity-of-home-schooled-children-in-warwickshire-302665
Families in Pembrokeshire encouraged to shape support for home-educated young people - The Western Telegraph: https://www.westerntelegraph.co.uk/news/26290734.home-educated-families-receive-support-activities/
Statistics/Reports/Publications
Social mobility: local roots, lasting change – government response: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/social-mobility-local-roots-lasting-change-government-response
EHE and CME data collection: guide and validation rules: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ehe-and-cme-data-collection-guide-and-validation-rules
Elective home education and children missing education: submit your data: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/elective-home-education-and-children-missing-education-submit-your-data
High needs: allocated place numbers: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/high-needs-allocated-place-numbers
Consultations/Inquiries/Petitions
SEND reform: education otherwise than at school: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/send-reform-education-otherwise-than-at-school
Carer’s Allowance: call for evidence: https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/carers-allowance-call-for-evidence
Updating foster care standards and guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/updating-foster-care-standards-and-guidance
Increasing the retention period for adoption records: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/increasing-the-retention-period-for-adoption-records
National Lottery Good Causes: Fund what matters to you: https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/national-lottery-good-causes-fund-what-matters-to-you
Watch this space: a new strategic direction for UK media - green paper and public consultation: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/watch-this-space-a-new-strategic-direction-for-uk-media-green-paper-and-public-consultation
Children’s Commissioner: The Big Future Survey: https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/the-big-future/
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.