Monday, 28 June 2010

by Sean Coughlan
BBC News education correspondent

Michael Gove is now inviting the first applications for free schools

Free schools are getting ready to begin the journey from policy idea to desks and pupils.

But what do we know about these schools?

The coalition government is now inviting applications, with the aim of opening the first wave of free schools in autumn 2011.

During the election, the free schools policy was discussed in terms of parents setting up schools.

By Angela Harrison
BBC News correspondent

Lauren Gell, who was taken in to care at the age of eleven, talks about the support she recevied

Taking vulnerable children into care earlier could save on emotional and financial costs, a study suggests.

Delays in removing such children from their families are linked with poor mental health and behaviour, say researchers from the Demos think tank.

The report, funded by Barnardo's, says the care system should be de-stigmatised and seen positively.

Parents reject 'bossy' lunch box advice, says Ofsted

By Katherine Sellgren
BBC News education reporter wraps

The government is keen for children to learn about healthy eating

Many parents see schools as "bossy" or "interfering" when they tell them what they can and cannot put in their children's lunch box, Ofsted warns.

Instead parents in England wanted more advice on how to prepare healthier packed lunches, inspectors said.

They said heads often felt uneasy about issuing edicts on lunch boxes.

Page last updated at 18:15 GMT, Thursday, 24 June 2010 19:15 UK

By Gillian Hargreaves
Education Correspondent, BBC News test

Applications for an autumn switch to academy status close in a few days time

Governors say schools in England are not being given the information they need to make a decision about whether to become academies this autumn.

The National Governors Association is telling its members to be cautious about opting out of local government control by becoming an academy.

Ministers want to to fast track schools rated outstanding.

Officials say schools do not need to feel pressured to make a decision.