Alliance raises concerns over 30-hours capital funding process
The Pre-school Learning Alliance has raised concerns over the 30-hours capital funding process, following the results of its latest Twitter poll which revealed that 39% of respondents were unaware of the bidding process. Local authorities that submitted an “expression of interest” to receive capital funding for the delivery of the 30-hours offer back in […]
New schools funding formula to be delayed until 2018/19
Newly appointed education secretary Justine Greening has today revealed that the schools funding formula, originally set for implementation in England from 2017/18, has been delayed until 2018/19. In a statement announcing the delay, Greening said “we must get our approach right” and stressed the importance of “consulting widely and fully with the sector”. […]
Amanda Spielman confirmed as next Ofsted chief inspector
Education secretary Justine Greening has confirmed that Amanda Spielman is to become the next chief inspector of Ofsted. Despite initially being blocked by the education committee, Spielman’s appointment has now been approved the by Privy Council. Neil Carmichael, chair of the education committee, had previously said that Spielman “lacked passion” and highlighted concerns […]
Childcare costs mean working parents struggle to make ends meet, study claims
The high cost of childcare is leaving working parents £2,600 short of a decent standard of living every year, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) has claimed. Following its Minimum Income Standard (MIS) research – carried out by the Centre for Research in Social Policy at Loughborough University – JRF said that despite the increase […]
Boys are falling behind girls in early years, survey reveals
Nearly one million boys are underachieving by the time they reach the age of five, according to a study from Save the Children. The study, Gender Gaps at Five: Boys falling behind in the Early Years, claims that last year, 80,000 boys started reception struggling to speak a full sentence or follow basic instructions. […]
Report calls on government to address persistent problems with childcare provision
Following its 2016 Childcare Survey, The Family and Childcare Trust has called on the government to address what it calls “persistent problems with childcare provision in the UK”. Key findings of the report state that an estimated 41,300 three-year-olds are missing out on their free early education entitlement, and that 59 local authorities do […]
“Odds are stacked against you if you employ a man,” says Andrea Leadsom
Environment and rural affairs secretary Andrea Leadsom has come under fire from leaders across the country after her comments on men in childcare. During an interview with a reporter from The Times, Leadsom implied that male childcarers could be paedophiles. “As an employer we’re not, let’s face it, most of us don’t employ men as […]
Justine Greening revealed as education secretary
MP for Putney, Roehampton and Southfields, Justine Greening has been appointed education secretary by new Prime Minister Theresa May. Former secretary of state for international development, Justine is allegedly the first education secretary to have attended a comprehensive secondary school; Oakwood Comprehensive School in Rotherham, which has a Good Ofsted rating. Commenting on […]
Ofsted calls for unspent millions to benefit disadvantaged two-year-olds
Ofsted has today called for more to be done to help disadvantaged two-year-olds access funded early education, following reports that last year approximately 80,000 eligible children did not take up their free place at an early years setting. The Ofsted report, Helping disadvantaged young children: how good are local authorities and early years providers?, […]
Angela Rayner takes on shadow education secretary role
Labour MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, Angela Rayner has stepped up as shadow education secretary, following the resignations of both Pat Glass and Lucy Powell in the last few weeks. Aged 36, Angela is also taking on the role of equalities spokesperson, reflecting the responsibilities of the government’s secretary of state for education and minister for women and […]
Pat Glass steps down as shadow education secretary
Labour MP Pat Glass has stepped down as shadow education secretary, after only two days in the role. Pat was appointed by Jeremy Corbyn during a surge of resignations by Labour MPs who have lost faith in their leader, which also included shadow childcare minister Jenny Chapman. In a tweet to her followers […]
Ofsted reports increase in ‘Outstanding’ EY providers
In its quarterly early years statistics, Ofsted has reported an increase in the number of early years providers rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’; an all-time high for the sector. An Ofsted spokesperson said that 86% of providers now sit in these brackets, and the the country is experiencing a long-term rise in quality. “It matters because there […]