Progress in early years foundation stage profile results slows
71.8% of children achieve a “good level of development”
Universal Credit claimants given longer to claim back childcare costs
Government confirms that time limit for claiming costs extended from one month to two
Call for “national food standards” in early years settings
Outgoing chief medical officer calls for water and milk only
Scotland bans smacking in UK first
Calls for England to follow suit as parents in Scotland banned from smacking their children
Government plans to raise National Living Wage to £10.50 an hour
Chancellor pledges to raise minimum wage by 2024
Vegan alternatives “should be offered as part of free milk scheme”
The Vegan Society calls for dairy-free milks to be offered in nurseries
Labour announces plans for “free nursery education for all”
Labour party reveals funded childcare plans
Nick Gibb takes responsibility for early years at DfE
Minister will oversee early years and childcare funding
84% of providers produce more paperwork than required
Alliance, DfE and Ofsted survey sector on paperwork stress
What makes a great early years manager?
Editor Rachel Lawler speaks with Tracey Davis, manager at Shoebury Nursery about her experience as a manager in the early years
Alliance urges sector to take action after funding announcement
Early years sector asked to contact MP
Michelle Donelan is temporary children’s minister
MP will cover department while Kemi Badenoch is on maternity leave