Daily roundup: Underperforming academies, the ‘bedroom tax', and Virgin health services in Devon

The Department for Education has written to seven of the worst performing academies calling on them to improve standards. The Ipswich Star reports that the DfE has threatened to change the sponsor of the schools, unless they make substantial improvements. Nancy Robinson, principal of Ipswich Academy, one of the schools to receive a letter, said pleasing progress has already been made since the letter arrived in November.

Charities have warned that thousands of families of disabled children could lose their homes as a result of the “bedroom tax”. Under changes to the benefits system, due to take effect in April, anyone in a council or housing association property will have their housing benefit cut by 14 per cent if they have a spare room. The Mirror reports that charities have written to Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith warning families could lose vital support networks if they are forced to move.

Proposals to privatise children’s health services in Devon are to be voted on today. Richard Branson's Virgin Care is in line to be awarded the £130m contract to run NHS and social care services for children and young people in the county. ITV News reports that Devon's County Council's Cabinet is meeting to vote on the contract tonight.

The government's adoption tsar Sir Martin Narey has been given an expanded role advising ministers on children’s social care services. Children’s minister Edward Timpson said his experience and expertise would make “a significant contribution to progress” in the area. Narey will start by examining the quality of education and training for child and family social workers, as part of the ongoing social work reforms.

More than half of children’s centres in Wolverhampton are to close, the authority has announced. The Express & Star reports that nine of the 17 children’s centres in the city will be closed in order to save £1.5m a year. Linda Sempa, whose grandson attends a centre, said: “If you take away children’s centres you’re affecting the foundation of their education. This could lead to further problems when they grow up.”

And finally, Transport for London (TfL) has launched a consultation into plans to improve public transport for young people. The organisation wants to encourage young people to be healthy by choosing active modes of travel, such as walking and cycling, and to ensure that they travel in a safe way. The consultation closes on 27 March 2013.