Early years SENCOs need more support post-lockdown
A new report from special needs charity nasen aims to address the growing challenges that early years SENCOs are likely to face as children return to school and nursery.
News
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.
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.
Disadvantaged pupils could lose out from Government’s £1bn education ‘catch up’ fund
Following the Government’s commitment to a financial package to support schools and provide tutoring for disadvantaged pupils, questions remain on how the money will be used effectively.
Baseline testing postponed for a year
The Government now says it will delay introducing its controversial Reception Baseline assessment for four-and five-year-olds but is encouraging schools to be early adopters in 2021.
Children’s health and well-being to benefit from reopening of playgrounds
As community outdoor playgrounds get ready to reopen, the Association of Play Industries (API) is calling for outdoor play spaces to receive more local authority funding.
Childcare sector at risk of mass closures as occupancy levels plummet
New research from independent analyst Ceeda reveals that as of 8 June, early years providers in England were operating at average occupancy levels of just 37 per cent, compared to 77 per cent in spring 2019.
Government confirms it will not be scrapping Baseline assessment
The controversial test for four and five-year-olds will go ahead despite a sustained campaign by early years sector experts.
Government gives grant to EYFSHome.com to support early years development
A website providing free daily activities linked to the EYFS has now been given a three month grant by the Government’s Innovate UK scheme.
Restrictions removed on wraparound and holiday childcare provision
Early years settings and working parents have been thrown a lifeline as the Prime Minister confirms that wraparound and holiday childcare provision can go ahead from 4 July.
Schools call for more guidance as all children asked to return in September
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson confirms that all pupils in all year groups in England will be expected to return to school full-time in September.
Four-to-ten year-olds most at risk of emotional difficulties in lockdown
Children in this age group experienced increased stress during a one-month period of lockdown, says new research.
Guide supports ‘unique’ transitions to school and nursery
The Bristol Early Years Teaching School and Bristol LA Early Years and Primary teams have collaborated to write a transitions guide for early years settings, Receptions classes and year 1 teachers in school.
Advice for schools and parents on how to respond to an anaphylaxis emergency under the new restrictions
New guidance has been provided on the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis, taking into account the current social distancing rules in schools and early years settings.