Glossary
This section explains key parliamentary and government terms.
Academy Trust
A charitable company responsible for running one or more academy schools in England.
Department for Education
Abbreviation: DfE
The UK Government department responsible for education, children’s services and skills policy in England.
Education Committee
A Commons select committee that scrutinises education, children’s services and skills policy in England.
Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment
Abbreviation: EHCNA
The assessment process used to decide whether a child or young person needs an Education, Health and Care Plan.
Education, Health and Care Plan
Abbreviation: EHCP
A legal plan setting out support for a child or young person with special educational needs and disabilities.
Further Education
Abbreviation: FE
Education and training after school age that is not usually part of higher education.
Higher Education
Abbreviation: HE
Education at university level or equivalent.
Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills
Abbreviation: Ofsted
The body that inspects and regulates education, children’s services and skills provision in England.
Office for Students
Abbreviation: OfS
The independent regulator for higher education in England.
Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation
Abbreviation: Ofqual
The regulator of qualifications, exams and assessments in England.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Abbreviation: SEND
Support needs affecting a child or young person’s learning, development, health or access to education.