Councils worried about supply of school-age childcare

A new report has highlighted that local authorities are concerned about the shortage of out-of-school provision, including breakfast and after-school clubs.

Further fall in children attending early years settings, latest Government figures show

The latest data on children attending early years childcare settings shows a further drop in numbers.

Early years leaders call for practitioners to have self-isolation exemption

Representatives from the early years sector urge Government to give critical status for early years and childcare practitioners.

NDNA launches nursery sustainability study

Providers in England, Scotland and Wales have the opportunity to take part in a survey into their sustainability.

August EYE issue: Waves of change

Take a look at what the August issue of EYE has to offer, including debatable opinion pieces, reflecting on current changes, and a spotlight on sustainability and eco-practice.

The story of the EYFS Tracking Lie

A Netflix-style documentary has been released by Famly to coincide with the bold changes to their software.

More nurseries shut for good as impact of pandemic takes hold, NDNA report shows

A new NDNA report reveals the rise in childcare closures in England during the pandemic, caused by the huge challenges nurseries face.

Time to make staff wellbeing a policy

Settings need to be more open about staff mental health and wellbeing policies should be in place and upheld, a new survey of the early years sector reveals.

Greater support for early years needed post-Covid, urge cross-party MPs in new report

A report by the Early Years Commission calls for ‘a relentless and inclusive focus on early years’.

Education ‘bubble’ system to be scrapped next month education secretary confirms

From 16 August, children must only self-isolate if they test positive for Covid, the education secretary has confirmed, as new guidance is published.

More early years practitioners using video to engage families since pandemic

New research shows an increasing number of early years staff are now using video to keep in touch with parents and carers.

July's EYE issue: Shifting discourses

This month's issue will spark plenty of discussion, reflection and questions amongst you, your teams and colleagues.

DfE statistics show ‘substantial drop’ in demand for 'free childcare' places

Drop in demand for early years provision revealed by new DfE statistics reflects ‘impact of Covid-19 uncertainty’, as sector leaders call for more support.

Duchess of York appointed as Chair of newly formed International Montessori Ambassadors group

The appointment of the Duchess of York as Chair follows her commitment to supporting a range of children’s charities and her philanthropic work with families.

National Week of Play launched by Early Years Alliance

Today, 21 June 2021, the Early Years Alliance launches a National Week of Play, a sector-wide event aiming to place play back at the heart of children’s learning.

Duchess of Cambridge launches Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood

The Royal Foundation for Early Childhood is set to raise awareness of and action around the impact of the early years.

Birth to 5 Matters partners with early years software providers

Leading EYFS software providers will be partnering with Birth to 5 Matters non-statutory guidance due to high demand from the sector.

Shocking documents on early years underfunding

Private government briefing documents have been obtained by the Early Years Alliance following a two-year freedom of information (FOI) battle.

The Montessori Group launches €90,000 European Research Fund

The fund aims to develop collaborative research into the Montessori approach in the 21st century. Aiming to shape a modern, emerging understanding of the importance of the method.

Early years tops list of priorities for union’s education ‘recovery’ plan

School leaders have published a blueprint for education ‘recovery’ that says early years should be a priority, while raising concerns that the Government will not provide sufficient funds for this recovery work.

Mental health services for children ‘increasingly overstretched’ new survey reveals

Demand for treatment for children’s mental health has increased and waiting times have got worse, a survey of trusts has shown.

Nursery staff fear for their mental health, with high levels of anxiety and frustration

Initial findings of a large scale research project looking at the challenges the pandemic poses for the sector reveal ‘striking’ levels of frustration and anger among nursery staff.

Anna Freud to run new centre of excellence for family hubs

New centre for family hubs to ‘spread best practice and evidence’ announced by Education Secretary, along with plans for more hubs in England

Report published on Covid-related spending on education in England

Early years allocated £5m out of the £280m early years and families pot and 30 per cent of education spending related to the pandemic is taken from existing budgets.

Welcome to June's issue of EYE

Reflect on your own and your setting’s practice as you consider the events of the last year and how this has affected children, their families and the sector.