Education Secretary Gillian Keegan confirmed the long-awaited guidance would not be published as had originally been promised in time for schools breaking up for summer. In a written statement, she said: “It is vital that the guidance we publish gives clarity for schools and colleges and reassurance for parents. Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said the delay was “deeply disappointing”, suggesting it was “seemingly due to internal government disputes”. “The government must ensure that at the latest this draft guidance is ready when schools return in September so we don’t face yet another year of this ongoing debate. But Downing Street could not say whether the guidance would definitely be published this year.

Source: The Times July 20, 2023 11:21 UTC