Chris Morris

Bedford Borough Council hosts special ceremony to celebrate Supported Interns

Bedford Borough Council has hosted a special ceremony to celebrate the young people who have just completed their year-long Supported Internships programme. Celebrating their achievements...

Increased demand will see Bedford’s SEND budget stay in deficit despite more government funding

Bedford Borough Council’s budget for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is forecast to remain in deficit next year, despite a headline increase in...

Hundreds of eligible children not claiming free meals at Bedford Borough schools

Hundreds of children across Bedford Borough who are entitled to free school meals are missing out on vital support, with new figures revealing that 865 eligible pupils are not currently receiving...

Senior councillor and officer say £26million loan was key to Rivertree Free School’s rapid delivery

A “bold decision” to borrow £26 million up front and build on work begun under the previous administration meant Rivertree Special School opened years earlier and avoided spiralling costs, according...

Council defends SEND non-attendance policy as resident calls for leniency

Bedford Borough Council is defending its policy of prosecuting families of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) for school non-attendance, despite calls...

Free school project in Bedford ‘still paused’ as council warns of place shortfall

A new free school project for Bedford borough remains indefinitely paused by the government, a committee heard yesterday. This development has sparked disappointment for...

Bedford Borough Council introduce ‘Year of Reading’ to help boost literacy rates

Bedford Borough Council’s Year of Reading is aimed at boosting literacy rates and encouraging a love of books across all age groups – as one in four primary school children are...

Gap between Bedford Borough’s disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged children widening

The gap between Bedford borough’s disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged children has widened, a meeting heard. Councillors also heard the age-related expected level at Key Stage Two...

Council fears that new school uniform plans could highlight financial inequality

A government bill could make school uniforms cheaper if it becomes law—but Bedford Borough’s senior schools officer has raised concerns that it could highlight financial disparities among pupils. The Children’s Wellbeing and...

“Financial strain” on Bedford Borough Council’s education budget laid bare

The financial strain on Bedford Borough Council’s education budget, particularly for high needs and special education, was laid bare during yesterday’s Bedford Schools’ Forum (Monday...

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