Laura Schneikert, School Governance Professional

Expert school governance advice and clerking support👩🏻‍💻

[Laura Schneikert, School Governance Professional @VirtualMatters1]

I was delighted to work with @GovernorHub this summer to produce an article on start of year governance compliance. The first term can feel quite overwhelming. Plan ahead, work closely with your chair & school executives - and keep things simple & concise.
https://t.co/33OhHpyzfA

[Laura Schneikert, School Governance Professional @VirtualMatters1]

The DfE’s Condition Improvement Fund guidance outlines eligibility, funding criteria and the application process: https://t.co/tZOszsiQlm…

Applicants must now clearly explain and adequately evidence a compliant procurement process undertaken to appoint their technical adviser.

[Laura Schneikert, School Governance Professional @VirtualMatters1]

Following the recent loss of my dad, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has shown kindness, understanding & support. Special thanks to my clerking associates and school & trust colleagues (incl PCC) for their flexibility and keeping things running smoothly during my time away.

[Alzheimer's Society @alzheimerssoc]

‘It’s time for decisive action to begin today.’

This week, our friend Tricia headed to Downing Street to demand better for everyone affected by dementia.

Along with other incredible campaigners, they knocked on the door of Number 10 to deliver an open letter, signed by nearly 60,000 people, who agree that enough is enough – it’s time for change.

Being part of this campaign meant a lot to Tricia. She explains:

'We have spoken. The government must now listen and, most importantly, act. Dementia must be treated as a national priority, not pushed further down the political agenda where it continues to be treated as an issue for another day and for another government.

'Behind our 58,000 voices are real people: people living with dementia, families watching loved ones struggle, and carers who are exhausted and too often left to cope without the support they need. We deserve better than political rhetoric. We deserve action, and we deserve that action now.

'The government must be held accountable for what it does next. We will be watching, we will continue to speak out, and we will not allow dementia to continue to be quietly pushed down the political agenda.

'58,000 people, including myself, have made their voices heard. The government has a responsibility to listen and we have every right to demand results. The time for excuses is over. The time for action has come.'

[Laura Schneikert, School Governance Professional @VirtualMatters1]

The new Academy Trust Handbook is here. Have you reviewed what’s changed? From governance and accountability to financial management, understanding the updates is essential for every academy trust
#AcademyTrust #EducationLeadership #Governance #Schools

https://t.co/oqvXdzWd0T

[Laura Schneikert, School Governance Professional @VirtualMatters1]

A big takeaway from the @NGAMedia conference this week. For me, AI reduces the administrative burden associated with minute production, allowing me to focus on governance quality, compliance, advice and assurance. And that’s without the wellbeing aspect!💙
https://t.co/Dx6V3xouZu

[Laura Schneikert, School Governance Professional @VirtualMatters1]

@NGAMedia 💙

[Laura Schneikert, School Governance Professional @VirtualMatters1]

✨ A fantastic day at the NGA Conference in Birmingham!

Great keynote speakers, insightful workshops and brilliant conversations. My standout session was on the governance professional’s role in data protection.

Great to see so many familiar faces amongst those 400 governors 😄

[Prof Michael Green FCCT @Michael_S_Green]

🚨🚨The final #KCSIE2026 guidance has finally been published.

The priority now isn’t simply understanding the changes, it’s ensuring policies are training are fully aligned in readiness for the new academic year.

https://t.co/mPXSrM5EOb

#Safeguarding #Education

[NGA For Schools & Trusts #VisibleGovernance @NGAMedia]

📢 The government has confirmed teacher pay awards for the next two years.

NGA welcomes the long-awaited move to multi-year settlements, giving boards greater certainty to plan ahead, while warning that funding pressures remain.

Read our full response: https://t.co/llGO508OcH

[Laura Schneikert, School Governance Professional @VirtualMatters1]

19 people (including 13 children) have tragically lost their lives this summer in water-related incidents across the country. These heartbreaking figures are a stark reminder that warm weather and open water can be a very dangerous combination. It’s really not worth the risk.

[Royal Life Saving Society UK - RLSS UK @RLSSUK]

A great night should end with everyone home safe. ⚽️

Stay aware around water and look out for your mates.

If you end up in the water, Float to Live:
Lean back, control your breathing, spread your arms and legs, and stay calm until you can get help.

👉 https://t.co/06KpBxjc9i

[Laura Schneikert, School Governance Professional @VirtualMatters1]

https://t.co/zt8Ie19G6E

This statutory guidance replaces ‘Careers guidance and access for education & training providers: statutory guidance for schools and guidance for FE colleges and sixth form colleges’.

There are no changes to the careers legislative framework.

[Laura Schneikert, School Governance Professional @VirtualMatters1]

PE and sport premium for primary schools - reporting form open (submission deadline 30 Sept)

Added 'Reporting Primary PE and sport premium grant expenditure: guidance for completing the digital form' and updated 'PE & sport premium guidance for schools'.

https://t.co/KyeT4Yvo0w

[Laura Schneikert, School Governance Professional @VirtualMatters1]

Guidance for those working with children on how to reduce the risks of hot weather to the health of people they provide care for. This is part of the guidance for the hazard: heat.

https://t.co/7F37WFECm6

[Laura Schneikert, School Governance Professional @VirtualMatters1]

Thank you to Devine Education for providing this:

[Laura Schneikert, School Governance Professional @VirtualMatters1]

Academies budget forecast return (BFR)

The 2026 academies BFR will open in July. The submission deadline has been extended to 24th September.

This year, trusts can use BFR form reports to pre-populate their workbook, helping them prepare their return.

https://t.co/MtoIX1Vk3P

[Laura Schneikert, School Governance Professional @VirtualMatters1]

Meeting digital and technology standards in schools and colleges

Updated to reflect new technical requirements introduced by the National Cyber Security Centre as part of the Cyber Essentials 2026 standard.

https://t.co/Wyle33Wqae

[Laura Schneikert, School Governance Professional @VirtualMatters1]

Regulated activity: removal of the supervision exemption

Guidance for schools on what they need to do to comply with the change to regulated activity that will come into force on 1 September. This is due to changes made by the Crime & Policing Act 2026.

https://t.co/ZDf9kgBjKB

[Ofsted @Ofstednews]

Upcoming webinar for schools 📣

We'll be talking about how inspectors gather evidence for the ‘achievement’ grade and how they use data.

📆 Thursday 9 July 2026
🕔 5pm to 6pm

Sign up to attend👇
https://t.co/yGPdDag12y

[Laura Schneikert, School Governance Professional @VirtualMatters1]

How to comply and document compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Updated DfE guidance to include addition of Filtering and monitoring section to Cyber security and safeguarding. School data protection policies are a legal requirement.

https://t.co/mpakFWeoXp

[Laura Schneikert, School Governance Professional @VirtualMatters1]

The DfE is seeking views on the information sharing duty introduced in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act. The statutory guidance relates to the sharing of safeguarding information to promote the welfare of children. Consultation closes on 14 July.

https://t.co/iwXZQ2JFAq