The Department for Education (DfE) has recently initiated a consultation aimed at enhancing the protections for children in unregistered alternative provision settings. This move is in response to growing concerns about the safety and quality of education in these environments. The consultation seeks to gather views on proposals to introduce new, light-touch quality assurance frameworks underpinned by national standards.

School refusal, or emotionally-based school avoidance (EBSA), among children and teenagers has become an increasingly concerning issue, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the underlying reasons can help parents and carers provide and seek the necessary support to address this challenge effectively.

Emotional masking stands out as a significant yet often overlooked issue, especially within the context of neurodiversity. Emotional masking refers to the practice of hiding one's true emotions and presenting a socially acceptable façade.