Voices, Lifelong Learning, and AI in Schools

Friday, 23 October 2026 — Celebrating communication, future skills, and practical AI guidance

Top Stories

SEND

Non-verbal pupils create a special song to express themselves ↗

Mitchell House Special School pupils in Belfast show communication isn’t just about words. This song project gives non-verbal students a powerful way to connect and be heard. Worth a peek for anyone working in SEND or inclusive education.

Source: BBC Education
Policy

Longer lives mean lifelong learning can’t wait ↗

Andy Haldane’s lecture at the Lifelong Education Institute stresses the urgent need for a learning guarantee as people live longer. This isn’t just about skills but staying engaged and adaptable across decades. A big picture challenge for policy and practice.

Source: FE News
Pedagogy

Most pupils leave school without essential money skills, says new research ↗

76% of teachers report that students finish education lacking vital financial skills. This calls for sharper financial education that prepares young people for real-world money management.

Source: FE News
AI

DfE issues practical AI guidance for schools ↗

With AI becoming part of classroom life, the DfE has released a handy checklist to help schools use AI safely and effectively. This is exactly the kind of clear, practical advice schools need to avoid overwhelm and keep the teacher in the loop.

Source: Structural Learning
Al's Take
Today’s mix reminds us that education is about giving every learner a voice, whether non-verbal pupils or adults returning to learning later in life. Lifelong learning isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s essential in a world where careers and skills shift constantly. Plus, AI isn’t going away, so schools need straightforward, no-nonsense guidance to make it work in practice without losing the human touch.

Number of the Day

76%
Percentage of teachers who say pupils mostly leave education without essential money skills. This highlights a real gap schools need to address urgently. (Money and Pensions Service, 2024)

Jobs Spotlight

Assistant Head of School
Aurora Hedgeway School · Pilning, Bristol · £54,586 - £60,619 (L2-L6)
Headteacher
Scunthorpe School · Scunthorpe · £50,000 - £60,000 per annum
Head of GCSE English and Maths ↗
Exeter and North Devon College · Barnstaple, Devon · £54k + £5k retention + £8k relocation
Course Leader Childcare & Health ↗
Barnsley College · Barnsley, South Yorkshire · £36,578 to £42,391 per annum

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Worth a Read

Young people, learning, and generative AI: A rapid literature review ↗

by Dr Matthew Hill

A sharp, accessible look at how AI is shaping young learners and what it means for schools. Essential reading for anyone thinking about AI’s practical role in education.

Coming Up

NCSM Conference ↗ — 26-28 Oct 2026, Unknown
NCTM Annual Meeting & Exposition 2026 ↗ — 28-31 Oct 2026, USA
AMLE Annual Conference 2026 ↗ — 5-7 Nov 2026, USA

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