Education never stands still, and Chloe has seen the sector shift and evolve in so many ways. In Part Two, she reflects on the changes she’s witnessed in classrooms, the growing focus on SEND inclusion, and how technology has impacted teaching. Her perspective is both inspiring and honest, showing how much has improved but also where challenges remain. I’ve been teaching long enough to see initiatives and teaching trends come and go and then come back again! Teaching itself hasn’t been revolutionised; good teachers have always taught children well, regardless of which initiative is in favour.

Working in the education recruitment sector, I’ve been fortunate to meet so many incredible people whose stories show just how rewarding, challenging, and meaningful a career in education and SEND can be. I wanted to share Chloe Metcalf’s journey because it captures that spirit perfectly; from changing career direction, to shaping young lives in the classroom, to building her own successful SEND tutoring and consultancy business.

A new report from the Sutton Trust has revealed stark inequalities facing children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England. The study warns that children from lower-income families are at a particular disadvantage, often left behind by a system that rewards those with greater financial means and professional influence. According to the report, more than 1.7 million children in England are identified as having SEND — a rise of 5.6% over the past year. But while the government’s figures show growing need, children from poorer backgrounds remain over-represented and under-supported within the system. Among those with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan — a legally binding document outlining tailored support — 43.8% are eligible for free school meals, compared to 25.7% nationally.

The government has unveiled a significant package of financial incentives aimed at addressing persistent teacher recruitment challenges across England. Starting in 2025, trainee teachers in maths, physics, chemistry, and computing will be eligible for a tax-free payments worth up to £31,000. Bursaries and scholarships will be available through university-led and school-based routes, as the Department for Education (DfE) seeks to attract candidates from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields into teaching. For those entering further education, up to £31,000 will be offered for shortage subjects, £10,000 for English, and £15,000 for teachers training to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

If you’re looking for a career where you can make a difference every single day, becoming a classroom assistant could be the perfect path. Classroom Assistants, also known as Teaching Assistants (TAs), play a crucial role in supporting both teachers and pupils and helping to create a positive and inclusive learning environment. So, how do you get started in this role? If you’ve ever wondered how to become a Classroom Assistant, this article will guide you through everything you need to know, from the qualifications that you may need, to the skills that make a great Classroom Assistant, and the career opportunities this path can open up.

Last week, I had the privilege of joining an online roundtable hosted by Matt Farrah—another niche job board founder, working at the heart of Nursing, Health & Social Care recruitment. The conversation was illuminating and, in many ways, familiar. The pressures and pain points discussed resonate deeply with what we're facing in education.

At Senploy, we recognise the ongoing challenges faced by families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across England. The current system, based on Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs), is under heightened scrutiny as government ministers consider significant reforms in response to rising demand and costs.

Government findings recommend moving away from punitive discipline. Instead, restorative practices should address the reasons behind misbehaviour, helping students build capability and nurturing motivation. These strategies support engagement and inclusion while helping students understand the impact of their actions. Students at risk of exclusion can benefit from restorative methods, as these approaches foster belonging and can rebuild motivation by offering meaningful feedback.

The Education Committee has begun a new inquiry focused on the early years sector, emphasising support for its workforce, improved access to services for families, and enhanced developmental outcomes for young children. Submissions are invited from sector professionals and academics to explore the impact of recent childcare entitlement expansions and evaluate current government strategies. The inquiry examines recruitment, retention, and training of early years staff. It also considers ways to make the sector an attractive career and analyses opportunities for pay progression.

For many people in the UK, the traditional path of GCSEs, A-levels and university isn’t the right fit. Some leave school without the grades they hoped for and others return to education later in life. Functional skills are more tied to real life situations where students can make use of what they learn in their other studies or job. They offer a practical way to develop essential skills in English, Maths and ICT. But the qualifications don’t teach themselves, behind every learner’s success is a supportive professional guiding them along the way. So, what exactly is a Functional Skills tutor and why are they becoming increasingly important?

Why Niche Job Boards Thrive in the Age of AI: Reclaiming Human-Centred Hiring in Education. As the recruitment landscape shifts rapidly under the influence of artificial intelligence and job board aggregators, direct employers in the education sector are being encouraged to throw budgets at generic platforms with promises of high volume and algorithmic precision. But as many schools, MATs, and education recruitment agencies are discovering, these approaches often generate noise rather than results.

As the academic year ends, many schools, education recruiters, and multi-academy trusts are reviewing their contracts. It’s often seen as a routine task: check usage, renew the agreement, move on. But in a market where candidate shortages persist and budgets are under pressure, renewing without reflection could be a missed opportunity.