CYP Now - Early Years

Early Years News

New Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has announced the launch of funding

News 26 September

Government to hand schools £15mn to create more nursery places

Thousands of settings have closed in a year, Ofsted finds. Picture: AdobeStock

News 19 September

More than 400 nurseries closed over last two years, research finds

Yvette Stanley: This extra period will give providers more time to digest the guidance. Picture: Ofsted

News 12 September

Ofsted names social care and early years leaders to advise on inspection reform

Tiny Toes Nursery in Stockport was closed down following the death of a nine-month-old baby in May 2022

News 4 September

Woman jailed over mistreatment of children at same nursery where nine-month-old baby died

Councils warn that 'an acute rise in the costs of placing children in care mean in-year spending on children’s services is spiralling out of control'. Picture: Adobe Stock

News 3 September

Ofsted to end single-word judgments for children’s social care and early years providers

Ofsted must 're-engage with the sector to develop a fair system built on mutual respect', sector leaders say

News 3 September

Ofsted rating changes ‘welcome’ but inspectorate must rebuild sector’s trust, leaders say

Childminders have also called on ministers to engage with those working in the profession before rolling out policies

News 29 August

Childminders dub ‘free childcare’ phrase ‘misleading’

The petition condemns the proposed relaxation of childcare ratios. Picture: AdobeStock

News 27 August

Guide to Qualifications and Training 2024/25: Early Years

The Co-op backed scheme aims to fund 600 childcare apprentices over five years. Picture: Martin Figura

News 20 August

Plans unveiled for 600 extra childcare apprentices

Settings may have to adapt to support younger children, researchers say. Picture: Adobe Stock

News 20 August

Councils distribute just fraction of funded childcare grant to providers

The council is shifting emphasis to all round family support from early years specifically

News 15 August

Council proposes closing all Sure Start children’s centres

Early Years Opinion

June O'Sullivan is chief executive of LEYF

Could social enterprises fix the childcare system?

June O'sullivan

Derren Hayes: 'Moving to a ‘report card’ system should remove the stigma that came with being branded inadequate'

We need to rethink how we measure inspection success

Derren Hayes

James Hempsall is managing director of Coram Hempsall's

Playgrounds are part of many solutions

James Hempsall

Derren Hayes: “The government is right that the change will align standards in England with those in Scotland. But this overlooks significant differences between the systems”

There's no evidence for childcare ratios change

Derren Hayes

Early Years Best Practice

Evergreen Early Years offers a wide variety of sessions to cater to families’ needs

Flexible approach makes Evergreen sustainable

Each year, Lancashire passes on £3.65m to around 1,500 early years providers. Picture: Monkey Business/Adobe Stock

Lancashire trusts providers’ decision

The pool offers aqua aerobics, aqua natal, baby, toddler and preschool classes.

Nursery opens onsite swimming academy

More Best Practice

Early Years Features

Leaders want say in Ofsted’s move to narrative inspection judgments

Briefing: ‘free’ childcare expansion enters next phase

New Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has announced the launch of funding

New government puts children’s wellbeing at heart of its agenda

Early Years Research

The right support for families in early childhood can fundamentally change lives. Picture: Valerii/Adobe Stock

Leading and delivering early childhood services: 10 insights from 20 places across England and Wales

Researchers say reversing cuts to Sure Start could be effective as part of a wider approach to reducing childhood obesity. Picture: Adobe Stock

Impact of Cuts to Spending on Children’s Centres on Childhood Obesity

Spending more hours with a childminder was associated with better EYFS scores for children from moderately disadvantaged families. Picture: Adobe Stock

Impact Study on Early Education Use and Child Outcomes Up to Age Five Years

Children from more deprived families are more at risk from SUDI than their wealthier peers, a new review says. Picture: Adobe Stock

The Impact of Neglect on Brain Development