Only 55% of children receiving free school meals reach a “good level of development”
Less advantaged children less likely to meet standard of EYFS Profile tests
30% rise in complaints about tax-free childcare
HMRC has received 4,560 complaints from parents
40% of childcare workers on National Living Wage are underpaid
Low Pay Commission report says that some National Living Wage workers are underpaid
Childminder numbers continue to fall
Ofsted statistics show a 29% drop in childminder numbers since 2012
Early years funding rates for 2019/2020 revealed
Only two local authorities will see rates increase
DfE seeks bids for early outcomes fund
Government is looking to work with local authorities
£18m funding for early learning announced
DfE funds early years projects supporting children’s communication skills
Q&A: Tracy Brabin
Under 5 magazine speaks to the shadow early years secretary about Labour’s proposals for the early years sector
HMRC confirms tax-free childcare glitch
Delayed payments will be processed on 7 November
£600m underspend on tax-free childcare will return to the Treasury
Under-spend will not be reallocated but returned to the Treasury instead
£400m “little extras” fund is available to maintained nurseries
Minister confirms that additional spending on education is available to maintained nurseries
Parliamentary inquiry into childcare sustainability launches
APPG for Childcare and Early Education to be chaired by Tulip Siddiq