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Children's News Feed

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

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Research Reveals Widest Attainment Gap Emerges in Early Years
Education Jul 14, 2026

Research Reveals Widest Attainment Gap Emerges in Early Years

New research indicates that the attainment gap between disadvantaged children and their peers is wider during the early years than at any other education phase. The findings emphasise the critical importance of early intervention and support services to address inequality before children begin primary school.

Paediatricians warn UK is raising 'unhealthiest generation in decades'
Policy Jul 14, 2026

Paediatricians warn UK is raising 'unhealthiest generation in decades'

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health's latest State of Child Health report reveals that children's health and wellbeing across the UK has declined or stalled over the past decade. Experts warn that the nation is raising one of the unhealthiest generations in recent memory, calling for urgent cross-government action to address the social determinants of health.

DfE updates EYFS framework with new infant sleep safety requirements
Policy Jul 13, 2026

DfE updates EYFS framework with new infant sleep safety requirements

The Department for Education has published an updated Early Years Foundation Stage framework introducing stricter safeguarding requirements for babies under 12 months in childcare settings. The changes mandate that infants must sleep in cots whilst under the care of childminders and in group-based provision, alongside strengthened guidance on screen use.

Ofsted Early Years Inspections Rise by Over 40% in Six-Month Period
Education Jul 9, 2026

Ofsted Early Years Inspections Rise by Over 40% in Six-Month Period

Ofsted has significantly increased its regulatory oversight of early years settings, conducting 7,270 inspection events between September 2025 and March 2026. This marks a substantial rise of more than 40 per cent compared to the 5,110 events recorded during the same period the previous year.

Early Years Workforce Under 'Significant' Pressure Despite Positive Ofsted Data
Policy Jul 9, 2026

Early Years Workforce Under 'Significant' Pressure Despite Positive Ofsted Data

While the latest Ofsted data reveals fewer childminders are leaving the sector and those operating are achieving good inspection grades, Coram PACEY's chief executive Ka Lai Brightley-Hodges warns that positive headlines mask deep systemic strains. She argues that reliance on goodwill and dedication alone cannot sustain the early years profession amid mounting pressures.

Unsafe baby products remain on sale via Amazon and TikTok, Which? finds
Safeguarding Jul 8, 2026

Unsafe baby products remain on sale via Amazon and TikTok, Which? finds

An investigation by Which? has uncovered dozens of unsafe baby products, including pillows, sleeping bags and feeders subject to safety notices, still available for purchase on major online marketplaces such as Amazon and TikTok. The findings highlight significant gaps in consumer protection and raise urgent questions about the responsibility of digital platforms to safeguard vulnerable infants from potentially lethal items.

Education Secretary calls for universal 30-hour early years entitlement
Policy Jul 8, 2026

Education Secretary calls for universal 30-hour early years entitlement

Bridget Phillipson has announced her intention to extend the 30 hours of funded early education to include low-income families currently excluded from the scheme. The proposal aims to remove eligibility barriers and ensure universal access to crucial early years provision.

Childminder shortage threatens expansion of 30-hour childcare offer
Policy Jul 8, 2026

Childminder shortage threatens expansion of 30-hour childcare offer

The Education Secretary's proposal to extend the 30-hour childcare entitlement to families on benefits faces a significant hurdle, as industry leaders warn of a critical shortage of childminders. Tina Maltman, chief executive of Childminding UK, cautions that boosting provision must precede policy expansion to ensure sufficient childcare spaces are available.