Latest Ofsted statistics show a continued drop in early years providers across England
The number of early years providers in England has fallen by over 1,000 over the past year, new data released by Ofsted has revealed.
Plastic not so fantastic
Government plan to use spare capacity in primary schools to deliver early years targets is “unlikely to work”, report suggests
Plans to utilise spare capacity in primary schools across England to deliver the spaces required for the ongoing early entitlement expansion is “unlikely to work”, a report produced by consultancy Frontier Economics has stated.
Nearly 18,000 early educators could be recruited if more roles included part-time or flexible options, new study claims
Increasing the volume of early years roles that are part-time or include flexible working options would aid the recruitment of educators in the sector, a study by social enterprise Timewise has found.
Pregnant Then Screwed research shows a quarter of parents could leave the workforce if early years costs rise by 10%
A 10% rise in early years costs could lead to parents needing to leave the workforce, according to Pregnant Then Screwed survey results.
Families face rising early years costs for families and setting closures as providers warns of the impact of National Insurance and minimum wage rises, Alliance survey finds
Parents are set to face rising early years costs and setting closures as the early years sector grapples with the impact of increases in employer National Insurance contributions (NICs) and minimum wages, a new Early Years Alliance survey of just over 1,000 early years providers has warned.
Early years providers in Wales given permanent business rates relief from Welsh government
The temporary business rate relief announced in 2019 has now been made permanent by the Welsh Government.
Chancellor confirms national living wage and minimum wage increases in Autumn Budget 2024
National living wage and minimum wage will both undergo significant increases, Chancellor of the exchequer Rachel Reeves announced at today’s Autumn Budget.
Government confirms spending on early years priorities will be protected ahead of Autumn Budget
Chancellor of the exchequer Rachel Reeves confirms steps to protect early years priorities as part of the Labour Party’s first Budget since being elected to government.
Duty to prevent sexual harassment at work
The Equality Act 2010 protects workers against sexual harassment in the workplace. Following government concerns that this protection was inadequate, the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023, which amends the 2010 Act was introduced.
Research reveals barriers to take-up of early education entitlements for disadvantaged children
A range of barriers are preventing disadvantaged children in England from taking up their entitlement to 15 hours of funded early education, a new study has warned.
NEW benefit for baby and toddler group members
The Alliance’s Policies and procedures for baby and toddler groups are now available.