Daily roundup 23 October: Extremism, CSE, and historic abuse inquiry

The Department for Education has shelved plans for a code of practice for some religious schools operating outside mainstream education. The BBC reports that Home Secretary Theresa May suggested the code should be mandatory following the Trojan Horse affair in Birmingham. But the government now says more can be done within existing regulations.


Hundreds of young people at risk of child sexual exploitation in Sheffield were let down by police, it has been claimed. Ann Lucas, who ran the city's sexual exploitation service, told the BBC she had regularly passed details about alleged abusers to senior officers. However she claims they repeatedly failed to act because they prioritised tackling burglary and car crime.


The head of a public inquiry into historical sex abuse is facing increasing pressure over her suitability for the role. The Guardian reports that MPs on the home affairs select committee want Fiona Woolf to clarify her links with former Home Secretary Lord Brittan, whose office handled abuse claims in the 1980s. An abuse victim is also legally challenging Woolf's impartiality.


A consultation has been launched designed to strengthen support and rehabilitation options offered to young offenders with special educational needs. The changes, due to commence from 1 April 2015, will give local authorities where the young person’s home is based the responsibility to ensure support for them continues when they enter or leave custody.


The National Institute for Clinical Excellence, has called on local authorities to improve the oral health of their communities through better advice and support. The body wants councils to consider supervised tooth-brushing and fluoride varnishing schemes for areas where children are at high risk of poor oral health.


Swindon Council has voted to make further funding cuts to children's centres in the town. The BBC reports that the authority will reduce the budget by £770,000 by closing seven centres.


Two people have been announced as winners of this year’s youth worker awards staged by the National Youth Agency. Flavia Docherty, director of Leeds-based project Getaway Girls, and Sharon McCauley, a youth worker for Medway Council will share the award jointly.