ETIH Weekly Roundup: AI safety, higher education partnerships, SEND reform and EdTech appointments
ETIH roundup covers last week’s news, including: AI safety and youth policy, new higher education partnerships, accessible coding, research investment, SEND reform proposals and appointments across EdTech, universities and artificial intelligence.
Many schools, colleges, universities and other education institutions are now closed for the summer or operating on reduced schedules. The sector may feel a little quieter, but the news has certainly not stopped. Never fear, ETIH is still bringing together the developments worth knowing about across AI, EdTech, research, policy, digital learning and the wider education sector.
Here are the stories to catch up on from last week:
Google AI Search rated ‘unacceptable risk’ for children after 2,600-query test
Common Sense Media found that Google AI Overview missed crisis signals, AI Mode completed all 180 homework tasks tested and families and schools cannot disable the features. The organization is calling for default restrictions on accounts belonging to minors.
OpenAI expands ChatGPT teen controls with Study Mode and safety notifications
Parents can now make Study Mode the default for linked teen accounts. OpenAI is also extending notifications to cases where accounts are deactivated for violent threats or acts of violence online, alongside more frequent break reminders.
OpenAI launches policy agenda covering youth safety, AI literacy and workforce transition
OpenAI’s Public Policy Agenda sets out six priorities spanning frontier model safety, protections for minors, education, workforce change, content provenance and infrastructure. Its proposals include teacher training, age assurance, independent audits and regional AI skills hubs.
AI youth policy framework calls for adult-only rules on AI companions
The Flourishing Generation whitepaper proposes pre-market and post-market safety testing for child-facing generative AI. It also recommends treating AI companions and human-like chatbots designed to encourage emotional dependence as adult products by default.
AI economy statement urges action on jobs, guardrails and institutions
Economists, AI researchers, technologists and policymakers have called for greater investment in understanding how increasingly capable AI could affect jobs, productivity and living standards, alongside institutions and guardrails designed to complement human work.
Sal Khan says early Khanmigo fell short as Khan Academy rebuilds AI tutor
Sal Khan said the first version of Khanmigo attracted limited use and did not change learning as much as expected. Khan Academy has since embedded the tutor more deeply into practice problems, student performance data and teacher-managed learning.
WGU and Anthropic plan AI-native learning and credentialing model
Western Governors University and Anthropic will develop systems for identifying workforce skills, personalizing learning and verifying capabilities through digital credentials. Anthropic will provide Claude for Enterprise, model credits, engineering support and platform resources.
University of Phoenix and OpenAI target AI skills for working adults
The collaboration will explore ChatGPT Edu, AI-enabled teaching, student support, career services and research into learning and workforce outcomes. University of Phoenix says AI competencies are already being embedded across more than 20 degree programs.
Google renames NotebookLM as Gemini Notebook and adds native code execution
The standalone research tool now synchronizes with the Gemini app and can write and execute code through a secure cloud computer. Initial access is limited to Google AI Ultra and selected Workspace customers.
Microsoft MakeCode opens block coding to 41,506 blind and low vision children
Microsoft MakeCode has introduced screen reader compatibility for block-based coding following work with the Micro Educational Foundation, Blockly, pupils and teachers. The accessibility update allows blind and low vision learners to create and control code more independently.
London higher education contributes £60.9 billion a year, report says
London Higher’s new publication puts the capital’s university sector at nearly 550,000 students and more than 140 institutions. It also warns that London’s international position will require continued investment as other cities expand higher education and innovation capacity.
Anthropic commits $10 million CAD to Canadian AI research
The investment will provide funding and Claude credits to AI institutes, universities and health research organizations across Canada. Anthropic is also extending startup support and has published its first country brief on Canadian Claude use.
National Research Organisations Group launches to connect UK research capability
The new alliance brings together around 40 publicly funded research organizations representing more than 41,000 experts. Members include The Alan Turing Institute, the Met Office, UK Health Security Agency and specialist centers working across science, health, climate and national security.
DfE opens consultation on education outside school under SEND reforms
England’s Department for Education is consulting on EOTAS, health-related alternative provision and accredited online education providers. Responses close on September 18, 2026, ahead of proposed SEND changes expected from the 2029/30 academic year.
Monzo founder Tom Blomfield joins Anthropic compute team
The Monzo and GoCardless co-founder has taken a leave of absence from Y Combinator to join Anthropic as a Member of Technical Staff. Blomfield said access to compute is becoming one of the most important problems facing advanced AI development.
Adam Fein joins 2U to lead academic innovation and edX university partnerships
The former Risepoint executive has become Vice President for Academic Innovation and Strategic Partnerships. Fein will oversee senior academic relationships, cross-product development and the University Partner Advisory Council across degrees, executive education and alternative credentials.
British Esports expands senior team ahead of British Arena opening
Alice Whorley, Kalam Neale and Zuhrah Samim have moved into Vice President roles covering operations, education and skills, and people and culture. British Esports is also recruiting for venue, hospitality and marketing positions in Sunderland.
Raysil Galan promoted to executive director at EdPlus at Arizona State University
Galan has moved into the role of Executive Director of Dean & CEO Administration after more than 10 years at EdPlus. Her remit covers senior executive support, project oversight, strategic implementation and coordination across ASU’s digital learning unit.
