We cover the ISC Census 2026, including the fall in pupil numbers and why the data matters for admissions, financial planning, staffing assumptions and how schools evidence public benefit.
We also look at hot weather and heatwave management, including risk assessments, vulnerable pupils and staff, reasonable adjustments, timetable changes, uniform expectations and wider duty-of-care considerations.
Inspection readiness is another key theme, with a focus on action points and remedial works. Schools need to show that recommendations from audits, assessments and inspections have been prioritised, completed and properly evidenced.
The episode also covers the CMA review of the early years childcare market in England, and why schools with nurseries or early years provision should be alert to record-keeping, pricing information and readiness to respond to scrutiny.
Fee transparency features through ISBA’s updated briefing on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, with implications for how schools present fees and mandatory charges in parent-facing materials.
We also flag the Fair Work Agency and the need for schools to keep employment practices, payroll arrangements and compliance records under review.
Digital risk is covered through updates to the DfE digital and technology standards, including cyber security expectations, account controls, backups and incident reporting.
Finally, we look at Norway’s cautious approach to AI in schools and what it signals for independent schools developing age-appropriate AI policies.
A focused update for bursars, heads, governors, COOs, HR leads, estates teams, compliance leads, admissions teams and senior leaders managing risk, scrutiny and planning pressures
Resources Mentioned
New episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast.
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