A REPORT warning that changes to the national curriculum are “not sufficiently aligned” with the government’s Send reforms was welcomed by the National Education Union (NEU) yesterday.

The Teaching Commission’s inquiry recommended phasing in proposed changes to the curriculum, due in 2028, amid concerns over school preparedness.

The final programmes of study are not due to be published until next spring and an “over-reliance on high-stakes exams at GCSE will continue to depress the achievement of pupils with Send (special education needs and disabilities) as well as pupils from deprived backgrounds,” warned the report.

The inquiry, chaired by former NEU joint leader and Labour peer Mary Bousted, said phasing-in the changes would allow for piloting and “lessons learned,” alongside a continuing professional development strategy.

Welcoming the findings, NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede said they show “urgent action is needed for the successful implementation of the Curriculum and Assessment Review.

“The report is clear that teachers must be given sufficient time and autonomy to plan for curriculum changes.”