Early years settings invited to take part in the National Education Nature Park programme
800 early years settings are currently taking part in the free education programme
DfE evaluation finds early years recruitment bonus scheme failed to boost sector applications
The DfE’s evaluation of pilot recruitment scheme found that it had “no measurable increase in … the number of applicants per vacancy”
New government figures highlight need for urgent action on the early years in the upcoming Budget
The ‘funded’ early education and childcare scheme is at risk due to ongoing issues with staffing and finances, according to new figures
Reform of special educational needs and disabilities system delayed
Education secretary Bridget Phillipson announced the delay in a letter to the Education Select Committee
Council funding cuts for early years may negatively impact families, LGA warns
The LGA warns that efforts to support families in need could be undermined by changes to council funding pass through rates
Free school meals expansion will have limited impact on disadvantaged children in the early years, report warns
Hundreds of thousands of disadvantaged children are projected to miss out on the benefits of the free school meals expansion next year, new research shows
Best Start in Life campaign launched to support families
The government’s new Best Start digital parenting hub has gone live with a range of services for parents and families
Less than half of parents of under-fives are confident they know what EYFS is, new Alliance survey reveals
New poll suggests more parental support and guidance on early learning is needed.
Princess of Wales pens essay about the impact of screen time on children’s social and emotional growth
The Princess of Wales has warned of the negative impact of ‘technological interference’ on the family connections needed for early learning and development in a new essay.
Elevate Great releases ‘Financing in Early Education and Care’ report
The UK’s early education and childcare system is “more complex, less equal, less sustainable, and results in demonstrably poorer child outcomes” than other European countries
Predictability in practice
Researchers L A Peters, A Gawthorpe, G Goldenberg and S V Wass explore and explain the neuroscience of why babies love peek-a-boo
Supporting environmental sustainability in baby and toddler groups and classes
The Alliance’s Alison Heseltine shares advice for supporting environmental sustainability at your baby and toddler group