Statistics reveal “postcode lottery” for summer-born children
75% of requests to start school at age five are granted overalll
DfE announces new SENCO guidance
Government issues new early years SENCO job description and qualification specification
Alliance Outstanding Member Awards shortlist announced
Childcare awards recognise innovation in the sector
Inquiry into impact of early education launches
Life Chances inquiry will focus on the effects of early education and social policy
Government “failing a generation” on mental health
Early years highlighted as a “missed opportunity” by committees
Government launches fund for early language skills
£13.5 million fund will support two new early language schemes
Landmark mental health survey launches
Alliance surveys early years practitioners on mental wellbeing in the sector
Government “should ‘urgently’ review 30-hours funding rates”
FSB recommends annual review of local authority rates
50,000 summer term 30-hours codes have not been validated
DfE statistics show that 13% of eligibility codes have not been validated
Education helpline reports 35% increase in calls
Support helpline has seen an increased number of educators calling in the past year
NFER chosen to deliver baseline assessment
National Foundation for Educational Research will design and deliver baseline assessment tests in reception
1,000 children’s centres have closed since 2009
Figures from The Sutton Trust reveal the extent of cuts to children’s centre services