Posts
Realignment: Switching to an existing framework
A change in plans as the product switches to take advantage of an existing service for beta launch.
Get school business information
29 June 2023
New team, new goals
The switch to using the existing Manage Your Education and Skills Funding (MYESF) platform led to a re-evaluation of what is a priority in the first release, required for September 2023.
DfE Connect
13 July 2023
Refining the scope of the self-assessment topics
Throughout private Beta the team has iterated on the scope of content that should be included in the mimimum viable service (MVS), specifically when it comes to which areas of technology users can self-assess against.
STS Plan technology for your school
30 January 2024
Creating a single directory: reasons why and initial design thinking
The family digital project team has begun work on merging the two directories, 'Find' and 'Connect'. A single directory will help to improve the user experience and reduce maintenance efforts. This article explains our reasoning and initial planning.
Local family support services directory
19 December 2024
Introducing a register of services
Register of services, or ROS, (our pre-MVP name) is an internal-facing service that will enable users to gain an oversight of all DfE products and services.
Find information about products and services (FIPS)
1 July 2025
Moving to passport-only identity verification
How we simplified identity verification for international applicants by moving to passport-only.
Apply for QTS
1 July 2025
Improving clarity and fairness in the information request process
We improved how we request more information from our applicants or referees, streamlining the overall process.
Apply for QTS
19 August 2025
What we’ve learned in beta about filter and search, part 1
We wanted to understand how users filter and search for services using the product name and user group search functionality
Find information about products and services (FIPS)
21 January 2026
Understanding the policy and legislation that underpins GIAS
A look at the legislation behind GIAS, from the Education Act 1996 to School Information Regulations, and what it means for improving the service while staying compliant.
Get Information About Schools (GIAS)
5 November 2025
Improving search and filter functionality, part 2
We continued with iterations based on beta learnings, focusing on 2 design challenges related to search and find.
Find information about products and services (FIPS)
5 February 2026