Learning

Exclusive: Royal College of Nursing says 1.5m vulnerable people not getting the right care, as specialism is ‘consistently undermined’The specialist learning-disability nurse workforce is in “absolute crisis” with the number of specialist nurses falling by a third across the UK since 2009, leaving many vulnerable adults with inadequate care, according to a report by the largest nursing union.The Royal College of Nursing review revealed that the number of learning-disability nurses employed by the NHS has fallen from 7,083 in 2009 to 4,768 in 2026. As a result of these falling numbers, 1.5 million people with learning disabilities were not being provided with their legal right to equitable access to health and care services. Continue reading...

• The AI sector experienced a sharp market correction during the week of June 1–7, 2026, triggered by Broadcom’s earnings report and ongoing uncertainty regarding GPU supply. • Key industry developments included the introduction of Microsoft’s new MAI model family and a signed executive order establishing new protocols for model review. • These events highlight a growing tension between rapid technical deployment and the challenging unit economics of scaling AI infrastructure.

• Researchers Yun Lin, Jiawei Lou, and Jinghe Zhang introduced a new deep learning framework titled "From Headlines to Holdings" in a recent arXiv preprint. • The system integrates Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, Graph Attention Networks, and financial news sentiment analysis to directly determine optimal portfolio weights. • This approach matters because it automates the transition from unstructured news data to actionable investment holdings, potentially improving market responsiveness.

Frank Cottrell-Boyce tells MPs to focus on early-years reading, with more support for parents and nursery workersThe children’s laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce has urged the government to prioritise pleasure over learning in children’s reading.Giving evidence to MPs on the education committee, which is investigating the crisis in reading for pleasure among children, the screenwriter and novelist said conversations about children’s reading too often revert to attainment in school. Continue reading...

• China officially launched a global artificial intelligence education service platform on May 12, 2026, to broaden international access to digital learning resources. • The platform integrates AI-driven tools for personalized learning, multilingual content delivery, and interactive modules supporting over 100 languages. • This initiative strengthens China's soft power in education technology amid intensifying global competition in AI applications for Southeast and East Asian markets.

Taith programme, set up after UK’s post-Brexit withdrawal from Erasmus+, faces uncertain future over fundingA “life-changing” international learning programme set up in Wales after Brexit is at risk of being closed down.Taith, which means “journey” in Welsh/Cymraeg, was established by the Senedd in 2022 after the UK pulled out of the Erasmus+ student exchange programme. Its reach is much wider: many participants get involved through schools, youth groups or adult education centres, and nearly half come from underrepresented backgrounds. Data suggests Taith has already funded approximately twice as many projects in Wales as Erasmus+ did, working with less money. Continue reading...

Charity Commission appoints interim manager at William Blake House in Northamptonshire, under investigation after families raised alarmA charity watchdog has taken control of a learning disability care home in Northamptonshire that is under investigation after residents’ families raised concerns over its management, including payments of £1m to a trustee.The Charity Commission has appointed an interim manager to run William Blake House, which faces potential insolvency in three weeks’ time if it cannot head off a winding-up order brought by the tax authorities over £1.6m in unpaid tax bills. Continue reading...