Laura Schneikert, School Governance Professional

I was delighted to work with @GovernorHub this summer to produce an article on start of year governance compliance. The first term can feel quite overwhelming. Plan ahead, work closely with your chair & school executives - and keep things simple & concise. thehoot.news/topics/getting…

A lecturer is helping to open up conversations about the menopause after publishing a new book designed to help men better understand and support the women in their lives. fenews.co.uk/education/sam-…

Roughly one in 10 women of reproductive age is affected by endometriosis, making it the second most common gynaecological condition nationally. One of the prevailing myths surrounding the condition is that it’s ‘just a bad period’. fenews.co.uk/work-leadershi…

Working together to safeguard children 2026: summary of changes A document detailing the changes to the updated statutory guidance. #factual-changes" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">gov.uk/government/pub…

In July 2025 the DfE released the updates to the statutory guidance for RSHE. Schools have until September 26 to update their curriculum to reflect the updated RSHE requirements. Annex B contains links to support & teacher training materials for schools. assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6970e7e6…

“While the Remuneration Committee can undertake the detailed work of reviewing, benchmarking & recommending executive pay, all final decisions must be formally approved by the full board of trustees” Academy Trust Handbook requirements on executive pay. brownejacobson.com/insights/execu…

On this International Women’s Day, I am reflecting on the privilege I have of collaborating with such an amazing group of female colleagues on a daily basis. A special thank you to the clerking community, a special group of women who guide and champion the important work we do❤️

Proposal on support for pupils with medical conditions at school The DfE is seeking views on updates to guidance to strengthen how schools support pupils with medical conditions and allergies.
 The consultation closes at
11:59pm on 1 May 2026: consult.education.gov.uk/medical-condit…

Academy trusts with 250 or more employees are legally required to publish their gender pay gap figures on the government’s reporting portal and on their own websites. The statutory deadline for public bodies to publish their data is 30 March each year. gov.uk/government/pub…

The role and experience of support staff in schools This research report aims to provide the DfE with an updated understanding of the support staff workforce landscape across a number of areas, including support staff roles and responsibilities. assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/699f1906…

Nottingham College has committed to membership with Endometriosis UK as an Endometriosis Friendly Employer and introduced ‘Menstrual Health’ as a recognised sickness category. As an endometriosis sufferer myself, this case study is wonderful to read. gov.uk/government/cas…

Guidance to help schools & colleges plan, prioritise and deliver estate improvements that address condition, suitability, resilience and decarbonisation. Governing boards are responsible for making sure that the school estate is safe and well-maintained. gov.uk/government/pub…

A guide for academy trusts considering making special severance payments. It explains what you must consider before making any such payments, and how to seek approval from the DfE. Updated 'Academy trust severance payments form' with new wording. gov.uk/government/pub…

The Education estates strategy sets out the government’s 10-year plan to improve the education estate in England to deliver a decade of national renewal. This document is for those who have responsibility for managing the school or college estate. gov.uk/government/pub…

Out-of-school settings: safeguarding guidance for providers Safeguarding guidance, e-learning and resources for providers of after-school clubs, activities and tuition, and other out-of-school settings. gov.uk/government/pub…

Academy general annual grant (GAG) allocation guide: academic year 2026 -2027 There have been 2 additional grants included in the minimum funding guarantee baseline calculation: •schools budget support grant •national insurance contributions grant #whats-new-in-the-2026-to-2027-academic-year" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">gov.uk/government/pub…

Guidance on the use of physical restraint in schools for governing bodies, and school staff. Added 'Restrictive interventions, including use of reasonable force, in schools'. This will replace the 'Use of reasonable force in schools' guidance from 1 Apr gov.uk/government/pub…

Following the submission of your academy trust’s audited accounts, the deadline for publication on the trust’s website is 31 January. Additional helpful information I recently came across: Academy trusts should publish accounts in respect of “at least the previous two years”.

School inspection data summary report (IDSR) guide updated with 2024/25 autumn term exclusions data gov.uk/guidance/schoo… IDSR summarises and analyses the data that is available about a school. Inspectors use the IDSR when they are preparing for and during school inspections

I really enjoyed collaborating with @GovernorHub and @Price_Bailey last term on this article. Audit season is an extremely busy time for academy trusts and there are often misconceptions around how trustees may support and challenge this mandatory process. schoolgovernors.thekeysupport.com/academies-mats…

DfE banking comparison tool The DfE banking comparison tool helps schools and trusts compare savings accounts in a single account. The comparison tool features products from banks and building societies that replied to DfE’s request for information. banking-for-schools.education.gov.uk/site/LEUFJZNSI…