What's New

The Department for Education (DfE) has published three new reports covering the impact of the pandemic on the early years sector, provider finances and workforce recruitment and retention.

The Chief Executive of the London Early Years Foundation (LEYF), June O’Sullivan, has written an open letter to Boris Johnson on why it is crucial for the Government not to relax the staff:child ratios in early years settings.

Arguing that its work is more important than ever following the disruption and distress of the past two years, Ofsted has set out a strategy to continue its work to improve the lives of children and young people from 2022 to 2027.

The Government is exploring ways to help families with the rising cost of living, including proposals to reduce childcare costs.

Ofsted has published a new strategy for the next five years which sets out a stronger focus on the early years to help support children’s recovery after the Covid-19 lockdowns.

The Department for Education (DfE) has published new guidance for childminders wishing to participate in Homes for Ukraine and the Ukraine Family Scheme.

The Education Policy Institute (EPI) has raised concerns that thousands of disadvantaged children in the early years could be missing out on free school meals.

Labour has pledged to make the early years a key priority if it wins the next election, as part of its Children’s Recovery Plan.

The Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed that 75 local authorities are eligible for a share of £302 million to create new family hubs in their areas.

The National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) has revealed that at least £55 million of early years funding was either left unspent by local authorities or allocated against other budget pressures in 2020–2021.