This is scandalous really. English hubs advise on (and sometimes allegedly force) adoption of phonics schemes. The body behind these has a huge majority of people from two products, which then become adopted by the vast majority of schools, making Collins & OUP what, £50m or so?

Hey @mercury you have locked our account despite your compliance people saying you wouldn’t. You take days to respond yet give very little extra to address issues. You have a bunch of our money, I’ve forwarded documents and need the account reactivated immediately if not before.

The thing I struggle with is how the DfE has managed these potential conflicts of interest. If the same people are planning a tender as applying for it, how are they “avoiding prior knowledge” as the public sector procurement regulations require? Should be transparent at least.

What I don’t understand is how a product that is just three years old commands so much trust and confidence, let alone cash. At least RWI has time in its side.