Early Years Digest

22 April 2025

PRESS & MEDIA   

UK children are 'unhappier, fatter and worse in school' than those in other rich nations - The Daily Mail

Screen time rewires your child’s brain – here’s what you can do about it - The Independent

‘Much-needed grit’ to be fostered in England’s schoolchildren, say ministers - The Guardian

Children struggle to hold pencils as motor skills decline - The Times [subscription required]

Princess Kate's 'life's work' project for young children hits major milestone - The Daily Mail

Four in five teachers say Government will miss its ‘school ready’ target – poll - The Independent

School starters can't blow their noses - teachers - BBC News

Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities to get better access to PE lessons - The Daily Mirror

School meals help fussy eaters try new foods, study finds - The Times [subscription required]

Benefits cuts threaten school-readiness target - Schools Week Magazine

Princess of Wales's taskforce provides backing for early years workforce - Nursery World Magazine

 

FEATURE STORIES

London dominates England’s social mobility league with top 20 places - The Guardian

Exact moment children ‘stop enjoying school’ revealed in new study - The Independent

‘I’m still not tired of it’: the best books to read aloud to kids, according to parents - The Guardian

  

BLOGS, PODCASTS & MORE

PODCAST: The Martin Lewis Podcast - Childcare SPECIAL: Your questions & problems put to Sec of State for Education Bridget Phillipson - BBC Sounds

Q&A: Should schools take a long summer break – or is it detrimental to children’s learning? - The Guardian

OPINION: Six months’ paternity leave is ridiculous – what are men actually going to be doing? - The Telegraph [subscription required]

 

RESEARCH & POLICY DEVELOPMENT 

Innocenti report card 19: Child well-being in an unpredictable world - UNICEF
 
Maternal attachment and child outcomes - Parent-Infant Foundation
 
Reading rights report - BookTrust
 
New resource to encourage greater awareness of food allergies among early years settings and schools - Nursery World Magazine
 
 

EVENTS & COURSES

Starting Reception - Early connections: Partnering with parents for a strong start in school. Thursday 5 June, 8:30-10:30 (free, London & online)

 

JOBS


Deputy CEO - Manchester Young Lives (Greater Manchester)

Policy and Public Affairs Officer - For Baby's Sake Trust (Remote)

National Youth Voice Worker - The Children's Society (Multiple locations)

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