The Independent - Government admits criticised new childcare policy is ‘no easy task’ to implement
Exclusive: As the government rolls out registration for new childcare hours, Labour warns Tories’ pledges are ‘meaningless’ to parents unable to find childcare.
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Sky News - Labour considers plans for thousands of new nursery places in primary schools
Labour has commissioned the former head of Ofsted to review the expansion of childcare provision, with one option on the table the creation of nurseries within existing primary schools.
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BBC News - When will the 15 free hours of childcare for two-year-olds begin?
Working parents in England can start applying for 15 hours of funded childcare for their two-year-old from 2nd January.
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Mail Online - Princess Kate champions the importance of fathers in children's early years as she looks to raise awareness about the role men play in youngsters' development
The Princess of Wales has met a number of fathers' groups amid plans to raise awareness about the role men play at the beginning of youngsters' lives. She has consulted experts in the sector to find out how best to highlight the issue, as well as how to attract more fathers to parenting groups and support their mental health.
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BBC News - Charity launches childcare support scheme
A charity has begun piloting a new project in Devon that aims to support new mums with childcare advice. Children's charity Barnardo's is offering free advice and support to parents in Plymouth, giving them the chance to connect with childcare experts and other people in the same situation.
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The Mirror - Why it's actually a good thing that your baby won't sleep through the night
Researchers have discovered that it might actually be a positive thing that your baby doesn't sleep through the night. A University of Bristol study discovered that your sleep-deprived state could be an indication of your baby's intelligence.
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Daily Mail - Labour is criticised for drawing up plans to create thousands of nursery places without saying how it would pay for them
Under proposals expected to be in the party's manifesto, Labour is looking to fund nurseries in primary schools across the country to provide continuity of education for younger children. However, it is unclear how the plan, including extra staff needed, will be paid for.
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The Independent - The shocking statistics on child poverty as The Independent raises £128k to support bed charity
Child poverty in the UK has dramatically increased in the UK in recent years, as more and more families struggle in the wake of austerity cuts, the pandemic and the cost of living crisis. An estimated 4.2 million children live in poverty across the UK.
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Early Years Educator - SCOTLAND: Government publishes review of early learning and childcare sustainable rates
Differential rates between local authority settings and private providers, difficulties in paying the Real Living Wage, and high turnover of staff in private and voluntary settings, were key issues revealed in the Scottish Government’s review of ELC.
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The Independent - ‘Gentle parenting’ is no way to bring up children – and I should know
Polly Dunbar discusses the rise of 'gentle parenting' among Millennials and her experience of it.
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Children and Young People Now - Key changes for children and young people’s sector in 2024
As the UK enters a general election year, CYP Now looks at key changes expected for the children and families’ sector and examines questions that remain unanswered.
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The Voice of Early Childhood – Advocacy, agency and rights in early childhood
Dr Nathan Archer and Dr Jo Albin-Clark share a conversation around advocacy and activism to start making more ripples of change, particularly after all of the turmoil that 2023 brought the sector.
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NDNA - Challenges with delivering 1140 hours: Scottish Government’s sustainable rates review
The Scottish Government has published it’s Early learning and childcare: sustainable rates review in which it acknowledges the challenges facing private and voluntary ELC providers.
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Day Nurseries - What are the different types of early years settings?
To help find the right type of educational care for your child, Day Nurseries guide lists the different kinds of nurseries and early years settings available in the UK.
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Childcare Eligibility Guidance - Check you're eligible for free childcare if you're working
The Government has produced a guide to help identify if you are eligible for free childcare.
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Department for Education - Changes to the early years foundation stage (EYFS) framework: January 2024
There will be two versions of the EYFS framework: one for childminders and one for group and school-based providers . Both versions of the framework come into force in January 2024, replacing the previous single version.
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Scottish Government - Early learning and childcare: sustainable rates review
A joint Scottish Government and COSLA evidence-based review of the approach to setting sustainable rates for childcare providers in the private, third and childminding sector to deliver funded early learning and childcare in 2022 to 2023.
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University of Cambridge - Disadvantaged children’s school struggles not about character, attitude or lack of ‘growth mindset’, study suggests
A global study of 240,000 students challenges the widespread policy conviction that bridging the academic gap between rich and poor students hinges on improving the latter’s work ethic, mindset and socio-emotional skills.
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The Voice of Early Childhood Conference
16th March 2024 | Nottingham Trent University | The Voice of Early Childhood Conference brings you high quality CPD through shared reflection, discussion and debate all in person. Be prepared to hear from influential names in the sector, as well as take part in active reflection, discussion and debate.
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