The WhyPlayLearning
Education Updates
Understanding education updates in a simple, calm, and practical way
Welcome
Education can sometimes feel confusing, especially with changing terminology, new policies, and unfamiliar language.
This page brings together a monthly education update, along with clear explanations of common education terms, to help you feel more informed and confident.
Whether your child learns in school or through home education, my aim is simple:
to offer calm, practical guidance to help families feel more confident in understanding education.
Latest Update August 2026
Latest Education Updates (new legislation, consultations, guidance changes)
The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 has now become law, but many of the changes affecting home education have not all come into force yet. Some details will be introduced gradually and are still being supported by further regulations and guidance.
What is changing?
One of the biggest changes is the introduction of a Children Not in School (CNIS) Register.
This means local authorities will keep a register of children who are not attending school, including many children who are educated at home. Parents will be expected to provide information so their child can be included on the register when these measures begin. The practical details are still being developed through regulations and guidance.
The Act also gives local authorities new powers to request meetings or visits as part of deciding whether a child is receiving a suitable education. Parliamentary answers confirm that authorities will be able to request to see a child within 15 days of recording their home address on the register, although exactly how this will operate in practice will depend on the final guidance.
For some children who are currently involved in child protection procedures, additional safeguards will apply before they can be removed from school for home education. These provisions affect a relatively small number of families but are intended to strengthen safeguarding.
What is staying the same?
It is equally important to remember what hasn't changed.
Parents who choose to home educate do not have to follow the National Curriculum.
You do not need teaching qualifications.
Children do not have to sit SATs or GCSEs unless you choose those routes.
Families are still free to use different educational approaches, including child-led learning, project-based learning, structured lessons, outdoor learning or a mixture of approaches. The law continues to recognise that education at home does not have to look like school.
Our Thoughts
Many home educating families are understandably feeling uncertain as these changes are introduced.
The most helpful approach at the moment is to stay informed through reliable sources, avoid worrying rumours on social media, and remember that the majority of families who provide a suitable education for their children will continue to do exactly that.
As more official guidance is published over the coming months, we'll continue to explain any important updates here in plain English.
A monthly overview of what’s happening in UK education and what it may mean for families.
📖 Education Terms Explained (EHCP, SEND, CNIS, etc.)
EHCP
Education, Health and Care Plan
What is it?
An EHCP is a legal document that sets out the education, health and social care support a child or young person may need if they have significant additional needs.
Why might it matter?
An EHCP helps make sure schools, colleges and other services understand the support your child is entitled to receive.
👉 In simple terms: Think of it as a personalised support plan that helps different professionals work together.
SEND
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
What is it?
SEND is a broad term used to describe children and young people who need additional support because of learning differences, disabilities or medical needs.
Why might it matter?
Every child is different. Some children need only small adjustments, while others need more specialised support.
👉 In simple terms: It simply means a child may learn differently or need extra help.
SENCO
Special Educational Needs Coordinator
What is it?
The SENCO is the teacher in a school who oversees support for pupils with additional needs.
Why might it matter?
If your child attends school and has SEND, the SENCO is often the first person parents speak to about support.
👉 In simple terms: They're the person who helps organise additional support in school.
EHE
Elective Home Education
What is it?
Elective Home Education means parents have chosen to educate their child at home instead of sending them to school.
Why might it matter?
Home education is a lawful choice in England. Parents have flexibility in how they educate their children, provided they receive a suitable education.
👉 In simple terms: Learning at home by choice.
CNIS
Children Not in School Register
What is it?
The Children Not in School (CNIS) Register is part of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026. It will require local authorities to keep a register of many children who are not attending school, including many who are home educated.
Why might it matter?
The register is being introduced in stages, and further regulations and guidance are still being developed. Parents should keep an eye on official updates as more information becomes available.
👉 In simple terms: It's a new system for recording children who are not attending school. It does not change parents' right to choose home education.
Ofsted
What is it?
Ofsted is the organisation responsible for inspecting schools and certain education providers in England.
Why might it matter?
Many parents worry that Ofsted also inspects home education.
They don't.
👉 In simple terms: Ofsted inspects schools—not families who choose to home educate.
LA
Local Authority
What is it?
Your Local Authority is your local council. It has legal responsibilities for education and children's services within your area.
Why might it matter?
If you home educate, your Local Authority may contact you to ask about the education your child is receiving.
👉 In simple terms: They're your local education team.
Quick, simple explanations for parents — no jargon.
Education is the foundation of growth, empowering individuals with essential knowledge and skills. It fosters understanding, promotes innovation, and shapes our communities for a brighter future.
Parent Confidence
Parent Confidence Guides (Coming Soon)
Practical support to help parents feel more confident in supporting their child’s learning.
Parent Confidence Guides (Coming Soon)
Practical support to help parents feel more confident in supporting their child’s learning.
Supporting Learning at Home
Learning does not only happen in classrooms. Many of the most meaningful learning experiences happen through everyday moments — through conversation, play, creativity, and exploration.
Explore the WhyPlayLearning resources to discover simple ways to support learning at home.
Final Note
Education is always evolving, but one thing remains the same:
Children learn best when they feel supported, understood, and encouraged to explore the world around them.