Early Education and Childcare Coalition launches new Rescue and Reform manifesto
The Early Education and Childcare Coalition (EECC) has today launched its new manifesto, which sets out proposals to ‘rescue and reform’ England’s early education and childcare sector
56,000 early education and childcare places lost since 2019, research shows
The number of early education and childcare places in England fell by 56,000 between 2019 and August 2023, representing a 4.3% fall in places, new research by the House of Commons Library shows.
Sector voices capacity doubts as second phase of early entitlement expansion opens
The second phase of the government’s early entitlement expansion opened on Sunday 12 May, sparking fresh concerns about the early years sector’s capacity to accommodate demand.
85% of two-year-old codes validated by providers, DfE figures show
More than 211,000 eligibility codes have been validated by providers
New independent report highlights risks of entitlement expansion
The National Audit Office has warned of “significant uncertainty” around the feasibility, costs, and benefits related to the scheme
DfE consults on details of experience-based route plans
73% of respondents supported the proposal to introduce an experienced-based route in last year’s EYFS consultation
DfE launches new consultation on EYFS safeguarding changes
Government says the changes will strengthen existing requirements.
Figures for the rollout of the early entitlement expansion revealed
Overall, 40,000 additional educators and around 85,000 new places will be needed by September 2025.
Research shows Sure Start significantly boosted disadvantaged children’s GCSE results, IFS says
New research from the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) released today shows that Sure Start had a positive impact on the educational performance of children from low-income and disadvantaged backgrounds.
Ofsted updates policies on complaints and pausing inspections
Ofsted has published an updated policy for inspection complaints that it says aims to approach providers’ concerns “fairly, thoroughly and efficiently”.
Labour confirms backing for full childcare and early education expansion plan
Shadow Education Minister Bridget Phillipson has confirmed that Labour will back the current government’s early education and childcare expansion if it wins the next general election.
Minds Still Matter: Alliance names inspiring line-up for online Annual Conference
The Early Years Alliance has revealed the line-up for its fourth virtual annual conference, which will take place on Thursday 20 June 2024