AI-Curated News

Children's News Feed

Automatically curated from DfE announcements, education news, and sector updates.

Categories

Early Years 1 month ago

Bright Stars Acquires Three Nurseries in London and Berkshire

Bright Stars has expanded its early years footprint through the acquisition of the Learn Well Group, which operates three nurseries across London and Berkshire. The deal strengthens Bright Stars' position in the childcare market and signals further consolidation within the early years sector.

Read Summary
Policy 1 month ago

What Nurseries Must Know About Notifying Ofsted of Inspections

Early years providers must understand their specific obligations regarding Ofsted notifications to remain compliant with regulatory requirements. This guidance from Jayne Coward, Ofsted's deputy director for early years regulatory policy, clarifies the essential steps nursery settings need to take when communicating with the inspectorate.

Read Summary
University Partnership Enhances Speech and Language Support in Baby Rooms
SEND Jul 29, 2026

University Partnership Enhances Speech and Language Support in Baby Rooms

A collaboration between the University of Northampton and Childbase Partnership is developing evidence-based approaches to support early communication skills in nursery baby rooms. The project focuses on equipping practitioners with strategies to foster speech and language development from birth.

Space-Saving Solutions: Essential Ideas for Childminder Settings
Early Years Jul 29, 2026

Space-Saving Solutions: Essential Ideas for Childminder Settings

Discover five practical strategies to help childminders create stimulating play and learning environments within limited home spaces. These space-saving tips maximise engagement while maintaining the warmth and safety children need in early years settings.

Early Years Exploration: Picturebooks Come to Life at City Farm
Education Jul 29, 2026

Early Years Exploration: Picturebooks Come to Life at City Farm

Young children experienced the magic of literature coming to life during an educational visit to a city farm, bridging the gap between storybook pages and real-world discovery. The hands-on experience provided valuable opportunities for early learners to connect fictional narratives with tangible experiences of animals and the environment.

Supporting Parents: It's OK to Find Parenting Difficult
Early Years Jul 29, 2026

Supporting Parents: It's OK to Find Parenting Difficult

Many parents struggle to admit when they find parenting difficult or unenjoyable. This piece explores why acknowledging these challenges is the first step towards accessing vital early help and preventing family difficulties from escalating into crisis.

Sensory Exploration Outdoors: How Map Reading Builds Early Language Skills
Education Jul 29, 2026

Sensory Exploration Outdoors: How Map Reading Builds Early Language Skills

Julie Mountain and Felicity Robinson demonstrate how young children develop vital communication abilities by engaging their senses in natural environments. Through map reading and tactile exploration, children learn to articulate observations about how places look and feel, expanding their descriptive vocabulary.

Berkshire nursery removes screens to boost child development and play
Education Jul 29, 2026

Berkshire nursery removes screens to boost child development and play

A school nursery in Berkshire has eliminated screens from its provision entirely, while Reception classes now use technology only for specific educational purposes. The move reflects growing practitioner concerns about balancing digital preparation with the foundational experiences children need in their earliest years.

Moving the Box: Transforming Early Years Practice in Durham
Early Years Jul 29, 2026

Moving the Box: Transforming Early Years Practice in Durham

The Moving the Box programme is helping Reception teachers in Durham identify barriers to learning and strengthen relationships with pupils. By focusing on attentive practice and early intervention, the initiative aims to improve outcomes for children during their crucial first year of school.

Early years sector urges government heatwave safety funding
Policy Jul 28, 2026

Early years sector urges government heatwave safety funding

The Early Years Alliance is calling on the Government to provide targeted support for nurseries and childminders to operate safely during extreme heat. Leaders are requesting dedicated funding for air conditioning units and assurances that settings will not be penalised for closing during dangerous temperatures.

Bright Horizons nursery suspended by Ofsted over risk of harm to children
Safeguarding Jul 28, 2026

Bright Horizons nursery suspended by Ofsted over risk of harm to children

A Bright Horizons nursery in the North West has been temporarily closed after Ofsted inspectors identified that children were potentially 'at risk of harm'. The suspension prevents the setting from operating whilst regulatory investigations into safeguarding failures continue.