Samantha Booth
@samanthajbooth.bsky.social
Deputy editor at Schools Week • mainly investigating SEND • Sam is fine • Press Awards specialist journalist of 2025 • @schoolsweek.bsky.social
Pinned
Our most amazing chief reporter @samanthajbooth.bsky.social HAS WON the specialist journalist of the year at the Press Awards
A truly phenomenal achievement. She beat off journalists reporting on war with her *amazing* journalism exposing the SEND crisis
So well deserved
A truly phenomenal achievement. She beat off journalists reporting on war with her *amazing* journalism exposing the SEND crisis
So well deserved
Finding this hard to believe really, very honoured.
Thanks so much to everyone who has trusted me over the past few years. SEND support is such a huge issue and glad it’s being recognised.
Normal reporting service resumes when I’m back at my desk later this year
Thanks so much to everyone who has trusted me over the past few years. SEND support is such a huge issue and glad it’s being recognised.
Normal reporting service resumes when I’m back at my desk later this year
It might only seem like a small technical thing, but it creates confusion. The report cards were brought in to make it clearer for parents about a school's context.
Anyway, good news that Ofsted is continuing to listen like it said it would to all feedback
Anyway, good news that Ofsted is continuing to listen like it said it would to all feedback
February 13, 2026 at 9:15 AM
It might only seem like a small technical thing, but it creates confusion. The report cards were brought in to make it clearer for parents about a school's context.
Anyway, good news that Ofsted is continuing to listen like it said it would to all feedback
Anyway, good news that Ofsted is continuing to listen like it said it would to all feedback
I noticed this when looking at special school report cards and thought it was bizarre. Why would you compare a special school's intake to a mainstream school?
Of course their EHCPs will be 'well-above' average!
@warrencarratt.bsky.social also flagged with Ofsted - now they may remove it
Of course their EHCPs will be 'well-above' average!
@warrencarratt.bsky.social also flagged with Ofsted - now they may remove it
Ofsted is considering removing national data comparators for special schools from its report cards, following concerns that labelling them 'well below average' for pupil numbers could confuse and mislead parents
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/ofsted-reviews-data-shown-in-special-school-report-cards/
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/ofsted-reviews-data-shown-in-special-school-report-cards/
Ofsted reviews data shown in special school report cards
New reports currently compare metrics like capacity of special schools to other schools in their phase
schoolsweek.co.uk
February 13, 2026 at 9:13 AM
I noticed this when looking at special school report cards and thought it was bizarre. Why would you compare a special school's intake to a mainstream school?
Of course their EHCPs will be 'well-above' average!
@warrencarratt.bsky.social also flagged with Ofsted - now they may remove it
Of course their EHCPs will be 'well-above' average!
@warrencarratt.bsky.social also flagged with Ofsted - now they may remove it
Reposted by Samantha Booth
From replacing the school condition improvement fund to creating a framework for the use of surplus school land, here's everything schools need to know about the DfE's education estates strategy
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/education-estates-strategy-to-replace-cif-and-create-surplus-land-framework/
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/education-estates-strategy-to-replace-cif-and-create-surplus-land-framework/
Education estates strategy: What schools need to know
New process for repairs to standalone academies and small trusts will not require 'full bids', says DfE
schoolsweek.co.uk
February 11, 2026 at 4:02 PM
From replacing the school condition improvement fund to creating a framework for the use of surplus school land, here's everything schools need to know about the DfE's education estates strategy
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/education-estates-strategy-to-replace-cif-and-create-surplus-land-framework/
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/education-estates-strategy-to-replace-cif-and-create-surplus-land-framework/
Reposted by Samantha Booth
All secondary schools will be expected to have 'inclusion bases' where 'pupils can access targeted support that bridges the gap between mainstream and specialist provision', the government has said
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/dfe-expects-all-secondary-schools-to-have-inclusion-bases/
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/dfe-expects-all-secondary-schools-to-have-inclusion-bases/
'Inclusion bases' expectation for all secondary schools
Each school would have a 'dedicated safe space where pupils can access targeted support', says DfE
schoolsweek.co.uk
February 11, 2026 at 7:06 AM
All secondary schools will be expected to have 'inclusion bases' where 'pupils can access targeted support that bridges the gap between mainstream and specialist provision', the government has said
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/dfe-expects-all-secondary-schools-to-have-inclusion-bases/
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/dfe-expects-all-secondary-schools-to-have-inclusion-bases/
Reposted by Samantha Booth
Major news on SEND funding this evening…
All the details here ⬇️⬇️
All the details here ⬇️⬇️
Breaking: The government has pledged write off 90 per cent of councils’ historic SEND deficits – estimated to be worth £5 billion
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/government-to-write-off-90-of-councils-send-deficits/
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/government-to-write-off-90-of-councils-send-deficits/
Government to write of 90% of councils' SEND deficits
Local authorities will get a grant to cover all but 10% of deficits accrued by the end of 2025-26
schoolsweek.co.uk
February 9, 2026 at 7:34 PM
Major news on SEND funding this evening…
All the details here ⬇️⬇️
All the details here ⬇️⬇️
Reposted by Samantha Booth
The government has pledged write off 90 per cent of councils’ historic SEND deficits – estimated to be worth £5 billion
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/government-to-write-off-90-of-councils-send-deficits/
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/government-to-write-off-90-of-councils-send-deficits/
Government to write off 90% of councils' SEND deficits
Local authorities will get a grant to cover all but 10% of deficits accrued by the end of 2025-26
schoolsweek.co.uk
February 10, 2026 at 6:05 AM
The government has pledged write off 90 per cent of councils’ historic SEND deficits – estimated to be worth £5 billion
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/government-to-write-off-90-of-councils-send-deficits/
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/government-to-write-off-90-of-councils-send-deficits/
And hidden in the explanatory note is this about the safety valve programme … goodbye very controversial safety valve programme. Let’s wait and see how these ‘plans’ will compare
February 9, 2026 at 7:39 PM
And hidden in the explanatory note is this about the safety valve programme … goodbye very controversial safety valve programme. Let’s wait and see how these ‘plans’ will compare
As I revealed last week, councils and NHS officials have been told to start creating ‘local SEND reform plans’… now it makes more sense as they’re actually going to be linked to whether they get this grant to wipe out most of the deficit
schoolsweek.co.uk/revealed-dfe...
schoolsweek.co.uk/revealed-dfe...
DfE quietly orders councils to begin SEND reforms locally
Whitehall tells councils not to wait for the white paper or further info on deficits to get started
schoolsweek.co.uk
February 9, 2026 at 7:36 PM
As I revealed last week, councils and NHS officials have been told to start creating ‘local SEND reform plans’… now it makes more sense as they’re actually going to be linked to whether they get this grant to wipe out most of the deficit
schoolsweek.co.uk/revealed-dfe...
schoolsweek.co.uk/revealed-dfe...
Major news on SEND funding this evening…
All the details here ⬇️⬇️
All the details here ⬇️⬇️
Breaking: The government has pledged write off 90 per cent of councils’ historic SEND deficits – estimated to be worth £5 billion
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/government-to-write-off-90-of-councils-send-deficits/
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/government-to-write-off-90-of-councils-send-deficits/
Government to write of 90% of councils' SEND deficits
Local authorities will get a grant to cover all but 10% of deficits accrued by the end of 2025-26
schoolsweek.co.uk
February 9, 2026 at 7:34 PM
Major news on SEND funding this evening…
All the details here ⬇️⬇️
All the details here ⬇️⬇️
Reposted by Samantha Booth
Breaking: The government has pledged write off 90 per cent of councils’ historic SEND deficits – estimated to be worth £5 billion
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/government-to-write-off-90-of-councils-send-deficits/
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/government-to-write-off-90-of-councils-send-deficits/
Government to write of 90% of councils' SEND deficits
Local authorities will get a grant to cover all but 10% of deficits accrued by the end of 2025-26
schoolsweek.co.uk
February 9, 2026 at 6:17 PM
Breaking: The government has pledged write off 90 per cent of councils’ historic SEND deficits – estimated to be worth £5 billion
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/government-to-write-off-90-of-councils-send-deficits/
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/government-to-write-off-90-of-councils-send-deficits/
In light of the leadership confidence crisis - in Sept it will be *seven years* since review of 2014 SEND reforms was launched.
But there has been no resulting change, at least at a nationwide scale.
We are expecting the schools white paper in the weeks ahead. What would a change in PM mean?!
But there has been no resulting change, at least at a nationwide scale.
We are expecting the schools white paper in the weeks ahead. What would a change in PM mean?!
February 9, 2026 at 3:47 PM
In light of the leadership confidence crisis - in Sept it will be *seven years* since review of 2014 SEND reforms was launched.
But there has been no resulting change, at least at a nationwide scale.
We are expecting the schools white paper in the weeks ahead. What would a change in PM mean?!
But there has been no resulting change, at least at a nationwide scale.
We are expecting the schools white paper in the weeks ahead. What would a change in PM mean?!
Reposted by Samantha Booth
Brilliant find by @samanthajbooth.bsky.social - we’re still waiting for the white paper, but quietly in the background, the government has already asked local areas to begin the reforms…
With a white paper expected within weeks, leaks to national newspapers offer only a piecemeal glimpse at what might happen with SEND reform.
But in the background, local officials have been quietly instructed to start the wheels in motion now for a reformed system…
schoolsweek.co.uk/revealed-dfe...
But in the background, local officials have been quietly instructed to start the wheels in motion now for a reformed system…
schoolsweek.co.uk/revealed-dfe...
DfE quietly orders councils to begin SEND reforms locally
Whitehall tells councils not to wait for the white paper or further info on deficits to get started
schoolsweek.co.uk
February 6, 2026 at 10:04 AM
Brilliant find by @samanthajbooth.bsky.social - we’re still waiting for the white paper, but quietly in the background, the government has already asked local areas to begin the reforms…
Reposted by Samantha Booth
Exclusive: Schools could be required to record internal exclusions under new guidance that will encourage headteachers to only send pupils home for the most serious cases of poor behaviour and violence
schoolsweek.co.uk/schools-coul...
schoolsweek.co.uk/schools-coul...
Schools could be required to record internal exclusions
Government looks to collect data as it urges schools to send fewer children home
schoolsweek.co.uk
February 2, 2026 at 4:23 PM
Exclusive: Schools could be required to record internal exclusions under new guidance that will encourage headteachers to only send pupils home for the most serious cases of poor behaviour and violence
schoolsweek.co.uk/schools-coul...
schoolsweek.co.uk/schools-coul...
Reposted by Samantha Booth
Exclusive: The government appears to lack a clear picture of which schools are defying its expectation that they should operate a 32.5-hour week, after dozens of schools suggested data on their school week was 'inaccurate'
schoolsweek.co.uk/dodgy-dfe-da...
schoolsweek.co.uk/dodgy-dfe-da...
Schools suggest DfE data on 32.5 hour week is 'inaccurate'
The government appears to lack a clear picture of which schools are defying its expectation that they should operate a 32.5-hour week.
schoolsweek.co.uk
January 30, 2026 at 3:21 PM
Exclusive: The government appears to lack a clear picture of which schools are defying its expectation that they should operate a 32.5-hour week, after dozens of schools suggested data on their school week was 'inaccurate'
schoolsweek.co.uk/dodgy-dfe-da...
schoolsweek.co.uk/dodgy-dfe-da...
Reposted by Samantha Booth
💸 Exclusive: England’s best-paid academy boss has been given another pay rise, taking his salary to at least £530,000
schoolsweek.co.uk/best-paid-ac...
schoolsweek.co.uk/best-paid-ac...
Best-paid academy boss earns £530k after £15k pay rise
Harris Federation CEO Sir Dan Moynihan received £15k wage hike last year, accounts show
schoolsweek.co.uk
January 29, 2026 at 1:12 PM
💸 Exclusive: England’s best-paid academy boss has been given another pay rise, taking his salary to at least £530,000
schoolsweek.co.uk/best-paid-ac...
schoolsweek.co.uk/best-paid-ac...
Reposted by Samantha Booth
Ofsted has found 'no evidence' to substantiate concerns about political impartiality at a school that postponed the visit of an MP due to planned pro-Palestine protests
schoolsweek.co.uk/no-evidence-...
schoolsweek.co.uk/no-evidence-...
Ofsted: No political bias at school that postponed MP visit
Inspectors praise 'diverse and inclusive' Bristol school after emergency monitoring inspection
schoolsweek.co.uk
January 28, 2026 at 12:47 PM
Ofsted has found 'no evidence' to substantiate concerns about political impartiality at a school that postponed the visit of an MP due to planned pro-Palestine protests
schoolsweek.co.uk/no-evidence-...
schoolsweek.co.uk/no-evidence-...
Reposted by Samantha Booth
Exclusive: The names of 29 more schools that will become lead schools for the government's attendance and behaviour hubs programme have been revealed
schoolsweek.co.uk/attendance-a...
schoolsweek.co.uk/attendance-a...
Attendance and behaviour hubs: 29 more lead schools revealed
Schools Week obtains list of additional lead schools, with several more due to be announced this week
schoolsweek.co.uk
January 28, 2026 at 12:49 PM
Exclusive: The names of 29 more schools that will become lead schools for the government's attendance and behaviour hubs programme have been revealed
schoolsweek.co.uk/attendance-a...
schoolsweek.co.uk/attendance-a...
If true, this is a huge change in appeal rights...
This might be an Old Labour govt, in the worst possible way
January 28, 2026 at 8:51 AM
If true, this is a huge change in appeal rights...
Amid the Grok scandal and social media ban debate, this talk at BETT couldn’t be more important this morning.
Thrilled to be speaking with Everyday Sexism Project founder Laura Bates on the Arena stage
Thrilled to be speaking with Everyday Sexism Project founder Laura Bates on the Arena stage
January 23, 2026 at 7:33 AM
Amid the Grok scandal and social media ban debate, this talk at BETT couldn’t be more important this morning.
Thrilled to be speaking with Everyday Sexism Project founder Laura Bates on the Arena stage
Thrilled to be speaking with Everyday Sexism Project founder Laura Bates on the Arena stage
Reposted by Samantha Booth
The House of Lords has amended the children’s wellbeing and schools bill to include a clause that would force ministers to enact a social media ban for under-16s
schoolsweek.co.uk/lords-passes...
schoolsweek.co.uk/lords-passes...
Lords passes bill amendment demanding social media ban
It places further pressure on the government to enact a ban amid growing calls
schoolsweek.co.uk
January 22, 2026 at 3:13 PM
The House of Lords has amended the children’s wellbeing and schools bill to include a clause that would force ministers to enact a social media ban for under-16s
schoolsweek.co.uk/lords-passes...
schoolsweek.co.uk/lords-passes...
Reposted by Samantha Booth
This joint judgment area has prompted lots of discussion since the first Ofsted report cards were published. At least one school has been downgraded because their attendance was lacking, despite inspectors praising good behaviour.
Martyn Oliver says it's something he'll be watching...
Martyn Oliver says it's something he'll be watching...
Ofsted boss Sir Martyn Oliver has admitted merging the behaviour and attendance judgment areas in the watchdog’s new inspections 'did bother' him 'tremendously'
schoolsweek.co.uk/merging-beha...
schoolsweek.co.uk/merging-beha...
Ofsted chief: Merging behaviour and attendance 'bothered' me
Leaders take issue with the new joint judgment area, but Oliver says it's what consultation called for
schoolsweek.co.uk
January 21, 2026 at 4:48 PM
This joint judgment area has prompted lots of discussion since the first Ofsted report cards were published. At least one school has been downgraded because their attendance was lacking, despite inspectors praising good behaviour.
Martyn Oliver says it's something he'll be watching...
Martyn Oliver says it's something he'll be watching...
If a pupil is found with a phone at The Fulham Boys School, it is confiscated for six school weeks.
It is thought to be one of the strictest restrictions on phone use in the country.
Timely feature by @lydiach.bsky.social
schoolsweek.co.uk/the-school-t...
It is thought to be one of the strictest restrictions on phone use in the country.
Timely feature by @lydiach.bsky.social
schoolsweek.co.uk/the-school-t...
The school that confiscates phones for six weeks
Head whose abuse from parents was highlighted by MPs speaks to Schools Week about his strict approach
schoolsweek.co.uk
January 20, 2026 at 12:02 PM
If a pupil is found with a phone at The Fulham Boys School, it is confiscated for six school weeks.
It is thought to be one of the strictest restrictions on phone use in the country.
Timely feature by @lydiach.bsky.social
schoolsweek.co.uk/the-school-t...
It is thought to be one of the strictest restrictions on phone use in the country.
Timely feature by @lydiach.bsky.social
schoolsweek.co.uk/the-school-t...
Amid the ministerial churn towards the end of the Conservative government, academies minister Baroness Barran became the consistent face for the sector.
I sat down with her to talk about handling the RAAC crisis, her childhood and whether she considers herself particularly political...
I sat down with her to talk about handling the RAAC crisis, her childhood and whether she considers herself particularly political...
'We might have been able to do it better, but it was as good as I knew how'
Former academies minister Baroness Barran reflects on her response to the RAAC crisis, ministerial churn and being serious on change...
schoolsweek.co.uk/baroness-bar...
Former academies minister Baroness Barran reflects on her response to the RAAC crisis, ministerial churn and being serious on change...
schoolsweek.co.uk/baroness-bar...
Profile: Baroness Barran, shadow education minister
‘I had five secretaries of state in three years, it’s far from ideal’
schoolsweek.co.uk
January 13, 2026 at 11:31 AM
Amid the ministerial churn towards the end of the Conservative government, academies minister Baroness Barran became the consistent face for the sector.
I sat down with her to talk about handling the RAAC crisis, her childhood and whether she considers herself particularly political...
I sat down with her to talk about handling the RAAC crisis, her childhood and whether she considers herself particularly political...
IB said they don't believe AI is yet ready to undertake sole marking of students' work. It can be used to quality assure and detected unexpected patterns in marking, but not marking on its own.
The main issues are mistakes, 'challengability' and malpractice, he said.
The main issues are mistakes, 'challengability' and malpractice, he said.
January 13, 2026 at 10:46 AM
IB said they don't believe AI is yet ready to undertake sole marking of students' work. It can be used to quality assure and detected unexpected patterns in marking, but not marking on its own.
The main issues are mistakes, 'challengability' and malpractice, he said.
The main issues are mistakes, 'challengability' and malpractice, he said.
But Ofqual 'will be consulting on any proposals on reforming GCSEs and evidence associated with those proposals will be published at that point', he added.
However they don't normally provide advice that's provided for ministerial policy making, he stated again.
However they don't normally provide advice that's provided for ministerial policy making, he stated again.
January 13, 2026 at 10:36 AM
But Ofqual 'will be consulting on any proposals on reforming GCSEs and evidence associated with those proposals will be published at that point', he added.
However they don't normally provide advice that's provided for ministerial policy making, he stated again.
However they don't normally provide advice that's provided for ministerial policy making, he stated again.