Government puts work of children's sector bodies on hold

In an email seen exclusively by CYP Now, David Bell, the top civil servant at the department, instructs agencies including Cafcass, the Youth Justice Board and Ofsted not to make any announcements, sign contracts or publish policy or corporate documents until the new government ministers have settled on their "priorities".

The email states: "In the coming weeks, new ministers will consider how they will take forward their priorities and are not currently considering submissions or accepting advice which has not been requested. During this period, the department and its arm's length bodies should not make any significant announcements, sign new or extended contracts or publish policy or corporate documents without agreement from the new ministers."

Other agencies affected by the freeze of business include the Training and Development Agency for Schools, the Children's Workforce Development Council, 11 Million, the National College for Leadership in Schools and Children's Services, Partnerships for Schools, the Young People's Learning Agency, Becta and the School Food Trust.

The email adds that if an agency has something "critical" to do over the coming weeks, then the matter may be brought up with the department. But these requests are expected to "be very much the exception".