Key national updates
DfE seeking views on new national plan for music education
The DfE has launched a call for evidence, seeking views to inform proposals as it develops a refreshed national plan for music education.
Views are being sought on a variety of areas, including curriculum delivery, SEND and inclusivity, music education hubs and music technology, and more. The survey gives young people the opportunity to share the music opportunities they have had but also poses some questions specifically for headteachers and other school leaders with opportunities to provide examples of good practice. Parents, teachers and music educators are also encouraged to respond.
Responses can be submitted up until 11.59pm on 13 March 2020.
Read the press release here
View the draft handbook and respond to the consultation here
Extra funding announced to help disadvantaged pupils
The government is giving schools extra funding to help improve outcomes for disadvantaged children and other pupils who need additional support.
The DfE has announced that the pupil premium rate is increasing from April 2020 by £25 for primary pupils and £20 for secondary pupils. In addition, the pupil premium plus will rise by £45 per pupil and the service premium will rise from £300 to £310 per pupil.
Read more about the upcoming changes and the DfE's latest policy paper here.
Guide to the national funding formula published
The DfE has published guidance on how the national funding formula (NFF) is used to calculate funding allocations for mainstream, state-funded schools in England. This guidance covers how the NFF will be calculated, what per-pupil funding means, and how funding will be allocated for nurseries and sixth forms.Read the full guide on schools’ 2020/2021 allocations here