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Major school reforms set to affect thousands of Ipswich families

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New legislation going through Parliament will require all teachers to have formal qualifications and introduce free breakfast clubs in primary schools. The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill aims to reform the country's education and child protection services.

Why it matters: The wide-ranging reforms will affect how schools in Ipswich operate, from teacher requirements to curriculum delivery, while introducing measures aimed at reducing costs for parents.

The big picture: The bill introduces several key changes:

  • All new teachers in state schools will need qualified teacher status by September 2026

  • Free breakfast clubs will be introduced in primary schools

  • A cap will be placed on branded school uniform items

  • All state-funded schools must teach the national curriculum

  • New safeguarding measures will be introduced to protect vulnerable children

Department for Education
New legislation going through Parliament will require all teachers to have formal qualifications and introduce free breakfast clubs in primary schoolsWilliam BartonAlamy

By the numbers: Parents could save:

  • An estimated £450 per year through free breakfast clubs

  • Over £50 per child on school uniforms

Teacher reforms: From September 2026, new teachers in state primary and secondary schools must have qualified teacher status or be working towards it. The bill also establishes a unified pay framework across maintained schools and academies.

Curriculum changes: Following an independent review due in autumn 2025, all state-funded schools – including academies – will be required to follow the national curriculum. This aims to ensure consistent education standards across different types of schools.

Child protection: The legislation introduces new measures, including:

  • A single identifier number to track children across services

  • Greater involvement of educators in safeguarding decisions

  • Required family group meetings before children enter care

  • Stricter oversight of home education

What they're saying: Ipswich MP Jack Abbott, who previously worked as a teaching assistant at a local school, said: "From speaking to parents in our town, I know how much they will value having a free breakfast club at their local primary and a cheaper back to school shop."

The bottom line: While the bill is still making its way through Parliament, these reforms represent significant changes to how schools operate and how children are protected in Ipswich and across England.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

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An award-winning local law firm. Attwells is rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors and holds an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

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Computer scientist son of micro-brewery owner first to complete Ipswich pub trail

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Adam Littler, a 23-year-old computer scientist whose parents were brewers, has become the first person to complete both Sip'Swich drinks trails, visiting all 15 venues in just two days.

Why it matters: The Sip'Swich trails, organised by Ipswich Central  in conjunction with Ipswich Borough Council, aim to showcase the town's brilliant selection of pubs and bars to a wider audience, helping people discover new venues they've never visited before.

The big picture: Littler, who moved to Ipswich six months ago, was awarded a limited edition Sip'Swich reusable cup and received a surprise £50 voucher from men's retailer James St. Peter's for being the first to complete both trails.

Mark Hubert of James St. Peters presenting Adam Littler with his voucher
Mark Hubert of James St. Peters presenting Adam Littler with his voucherIpswich Central

What they're saying: "Having moved to Ipswich six months ago and loving a drink with friends, when I saw the trails being promoted in the local paper newsfeed it was right up my street as something to do!" Littler said.

By the numbers: The ambitious pub-goer visited 13 venues on Saturday 8 March before returning to complete the final two a couple of days later. He collected his prize less than a week after the trails launched.

The details: As a computer scientist with brewing in his blood, Littler scored each location on a 1-10 scale rating for enjoyment of the drink, price and atmosphere.

"The Arbor House and Crafty Fox were two venues that I was really impressed with for their friendly and knowledgeable staff plus recommendations they made. The Arbor House was an unexpected gem that I'd go back to, and, the Crafty Fox had a really lovely vibe about it," he said.

To make the challenge more interesting, Littler had a different type of drink in every venue, including wine at Boom Battle Bar, a cocktail at Cosy Club and a spirit at The Black Horse Inn.

Adam Littler sitting in a cafe
Adam Littler was the first to complete the Sip'Swich trailAdam Littler

What's next: Littler plans to do the trail again with another group of friends so his girlfriend can also win a reusable cup. Meanwhile, the trails will run until the end of April or when all prizes have been claimed.

Lee Walker  from Ipswich Central said:

Ipswich is so lucky to have an incredible range of pubs and bars each with their own character and ambience. We devised Sip'Swich as a way of showcasing those places to a wider audience.

The bottom line: Further special prizes will be awarded over the coming weeks, including a voucher for a brewery tour donated by the Briarbank Brewery. Details and trail cards can be downloaded from www.allaboutIpswich.com/sipswich or collected from any of the 15 participating venues.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

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