Early education and childcare system needs ‘radical re-think’ a new report finds
Early childhood education and care requires a ‘whole-system review’ according to a new report by the Nuffield Foundation.
News
November EYE issue: Reflect and refocus
November's issue of EYE is out - take a look at an overview of the articles featured this month. Short on time? Watch the 60 second intro video for a quick overview from the editor.
Early Years Blog Fest 2021
An early years social media event is taking place on the 29 October 2021 to celebrate the voices, blogs and articles of the sector.
Department for Education launches new early years leadership qualification
A new early years leadership qualification for Level 3 qualified and above practitioners working in private, voluntary and independent settings will be on offer from Autumn 2022.
Resource supplier goes even further in the battle for sustainability
Cosy Direct have recently published their ESG report, outlining their sustainability so far, current work and plans for the future.
New employment figures raise further recruitment concerns for early years
Low unemployment, high job vacancies and higher wages could worsen the early years staffing crisis.
Leading training provider predicts early years apprentices boom
Training provider Realise expects a ‘strong take up’ of early years training to continue, as the Government extends employment incentives.
Healthy nursery menu launched to boost early years nutrition
A leading nursery catering company has joined forces with a nutritionist to create healthy balanced meals for early years settings.
Investment in outstanding early years staff announced in education secretary’s first speech to the sector
Investment in outstanding early years staff and an overhaul of teacher training are announced in education secretary Nadhim Zahawi’s first conference speech.
Pandemic impacting on children’s language development, say parents
More than half of parents say children’s language development has been impacted by the pandemic, a new survey finds.
Reports of childcare ratios relaxation raise concerns from early years sector
Early years leaders say they will oppose any attempts to relax rules on staff:child ratios, following reports of ministers planning to change them ‘to cut costs’.
Nursery World Awards 2021 Winners
The Nursery World Awards 2021 ceremony was an incredible evening celebrating the fantastic hard work of the early years sector. Nursery of the Year was awarded to Kiddlywinks and the Lifetime Achievement Award to the highly deserved Laura Henry-Allain.
Number of children attending early years settings remains lower than normal
Early years attendance levels continue to be lower than before the Covid-19 pandemic, the latest DfE statistics show.
Millions of parents of under-fives could be missing out on ‘lifeline’ early years support
A new report by the charity Action for Children warns of a growing crisis facing early years services that support families.
New sustainable development goals handbook for early years
A sustainable development goals handbook for early years has been created as part of a drive to introduce ideas of sustainability to young children.
October EYE issue: A time for reflection
October's issue of EYE is out - take a look at an overview of the articles featured this month. Short on time? Watch the 60 second intro video for a quick overview from the editor.
Social Market Foundation calls for affordable childcare amid declining birth rates
A ‘baby shortage’ could spell economic stagnation for the UK, but increasing the availability and affordability of childcare could help to address this trend, new think-tank report suggests.
Will Quince appointed minister for children and families
New minister for children and families, Will Quince, replaces Vicky Ford in Boris Johnson’s Cabinet reshuffle.
Former children's minister, Nadhim Zahawi appointed education secretary
Sector organisations welcome new education secretary Nadhim Zahawi who has replaced Gavin Williamson in Boris Johnson’s reshuffle.
Government does not provide sufficient childcare support, most parents believe
A Mumsnet poll found that most families continue to struggle with childcare costs, and that parents are ready for a “radical shake-up”.
Education Secretary sacked in cabinet reshuffle
Gavin Williamson has been removed as Education Secretary in Prime Minister’s cabinet reshuffle.
New reception pupils are the ‘least school-ready’ for generations
A report from the charity Nesta suggests that children starting reception will need additional support, because they have missed more than a quarter of their early years education due to the pandemic.
NDNA survey finds 95 per cent of nurseries say they are underfunded
Most providers responding to an NDNA survey believe they will operate at a loss or just break-even this financial year.
Rates relief extended for providers in Wales until 2025
The Welsh government will give business rates relief to nurseries and pre-schools for an additional three years, to support those in financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic.
Extension to early years training programme announced by DfE
The Government has extended its funding for targeted training to help two- to four-year-olds with language and mathematic skills, as part of its early years recovery investment.