Summer statement: Job creation scheme is undermined by Government’s failure to commit additional funding for childcare
The Chancellor’s boost for youth employment is a non-starter for an early years sector which faces mass closures.
News
Summer statement: Job Retention Bonus could be ‘too little too late’
While the Chancellor has announced a Job Retention Bonus of £1,000 to UK employers for every eligible furloughed employee they bring back to work, this will give small comfort to childcare providers who are uncertain they will survive until Christmas.
Government must provide emergency funding for childcare in order to support new parents, says inquiry
Uncertainty about access to childcare is one of the central challenges facing new parents according to the latest findings of the House of Commons Petitions Committee.
Transitions should prioritise 'a recovery curriculum' rather than rushing ahead
Children in pre-schools, nurseries, Reception and Year 1 classes will benefit from remaining in their previous setting or class until January 2021, according to recommendations from Early Education and TACTYC.
What to expect when Ofsted comes knocking in the autumn
While Ofsted will not be carrying out routine inspections in early years settings, schools and colleges until January 2021, it will be paying visits from the end of September to monitor how children are being brought back into formal education.
Rule on childcare ‘bubbles’ to be relaxed
From 20 July the Government is removing the requirement for settings to keep children in small, consistent groups and has issued a ‘system of controls’ to support safety.
Children with SEND face an ongoing lack of support
As the Government records an increase in the number of children with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, there are growing concerns about the lack of SEND provision resulting from coronavirus.
Government publishes 'early adopter' version of EYFS including changes to assessment
Despite the challenges posed by Covid-19 the Government is pressing ahead with its plans for early adopter schools to introduce a reformed Early Years Foundation Stage before its mandatory introduction in September 2021.
Coronavirus: A third of providers in disadvantaged areas face closure
Childcare settings in deprived areas are the most vulnerable to closure next year while the majority of all providers expect to be operating at a loss, says The Sutton Trust.
Call to place children at the heart of pandemic recovery
More than 150 charities and organisations representing children, young people and families are calling on the Government to prioritise children, along with health and the economy, as part of its coronavirus response.
Early years ‘will not see a penny’ of latest £1bn education investment
The early years sector is ignored once again as Government sets out its new, ten-year investment programme to repair and re-build England’s schools.
‘Caring for children and working from home do not mix’, says new survey
A survey of 1,500 parents carried out by Bright Horizons Work+Family Solutions highlights that while many would like to continue working from home, this will only be possible with a return to formal childcare.
Families rely on PVI providers for extended ‘free’ hours, data shows
Pre-Covid Government statistics highlight the vital role of the private, voluntary and independent (PVI) childcare sector in delivering the free entitlement.