Early Years Digest

7 October 2025

PRESS & MEDIA 

Child Benefit shake-up for thousands of parents as HMRC introduces new system – The Mirror

‘Poorly thought out’: expanded England childcare scheme results in higher fees for some families – The Guardian

What could – and should – be in Labour's long-awaited child poverty strategy? – Big Issue

Reeves pledges library in every English primary school – TES Magazine

Reform Send system now or face billions in extra costs, ministers warned – BBC News

Kido cyber attack: hackers say they are ‘sorry for hurting kids’ – Nursery World

‘Motherhood penalty’ costs women an average £65,618 in pay by time first child turns five – The Guardian

Britain’s worklessness crisis begins at school – The Telegraph [subscription required]

 

FEATURE STORIES

Gen Z is leaning towards one parenting trend when raising their kids, new study reveals – The Independent

Instagram still poses risk to children despite new safety tools, says Meta whistleblower – The Guardian

Low birthrates in England could lead to ‘closure of 800 primary schools by 2029’ – The Guardian

Children with SEND need support. The government must not restrict their rights – Big Issue

Why early reading work is vital to spot and support pupils with SEND – TES Magazine

I’m a speech and language therapist: If your child starts school unable to talk, it may not be what you think – The Independent

I used my phone for ten hours a day - this is the heartbreaking reason I had to stop and the incredible change I've seen as a result – Daily Mail

Why Labour’s conference gives us real hope for education – TES Magazine

The global state of teaching: 8 insights from educators worldwide – TES Magazine

 

RESEARCH & POLICY DEVELOPMENT

Opening the Door to the Baby Room: Learning from the Experiences and Perspectives of Baby Room Educators and Nursery Managers – The Baby Room

Study links greater inequality to structural changes in children’s brains – The Guardian

Phase 2 of the school-based nursery programme: Everything you need to know – Education Hub (DfE)

 

BLOGS, PODCASTS & MORE

LETTER: Careless and damaging talk about autism – The Guardian

VIDEO: Raising kids in poverty: The UK’s ‘inhumane’ two-child limit – The Guardian

COMMENT: Most mums have horror stories – but trauma-dumping only makes new parents more anxious – The Independent

 

EVENTS & RESOURCES

The Future of Family Friendly Policies - The ReGenerate Exchange - Thursday 16th October at 3pm (online, free)

 

JOBS

Deputy Director, Schools and Early Education – Ofsted (hybrid or in-office, based out of one of five listed cities)

Chief Executive Officer – 1001 Critical Days Foundation (London)

Senior Education Policy & Advocacy Adviser – Save the Children UK (London, home-based)

Education Programme Manager – National Children’s Bureau (London, hybrid)

Chief Officer, Children and Families – BBC (flexible location)

Head of Change, Children’s Services – Youth Endowment Fund (London, hybrid)

 

 

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