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Early Years 2 months ago

Nursery World Awards 2026: Early years finalists announced

The shortlist for the prestigious Nursery World Awards 2026 has been unveiled, celebrating excellence in childcare and early education provision across the country. The finalists recognise outstanding dedication and innovation within the sector that supports children from birth to age five.

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DfE review: School-based nurseries boost admissions but highlight workforce pressures
Schools Jun 30, 2026

DfE review: School-based nurseries boost admissions but highlight workforce pressures

New Department for Education research reveals that school-based nurseries are helping to reverse declining primary school admissions, though settings are increasingly relying on agency staff to fill workforce gaps. The findings come from the first phase of government funding aimed at expanding nursery provision within school settings.

Early Years Safety Warning: Regulation Reform 'Should Have Preceded' Funded Hours Roll-out
Policy Jun 30, 2026

Early Years Safety Warning: Regulation Reform 'Should Have Preceded' Funded Hours Roll-out

Early years practitioner Michael Pettavel has warned that reforms to sector regulation, qualifications and pay should have been implemented before the expansion of government-funded childcare hours. Speaking about the national rollout, he cautioned that safety has not been prioritised, leaving the sector facing significant challenges around workforce standards and sustainability.

Working with Parents: Why Boredom Benefits Early Development
Early Years Jun 30, 2026

Working with Parents: Why Boredom Benefits Early Development

Resisting the urge to hand a child a screen when they complain of boredom opens up valuable opportunities for imaginative play and meaningful social interaction. This approach supports the cognitive and emotional foundations that prepare children for lifelong learning and school readiness.

Early years chief defends sector against 'despicable headlines' and profit claims
Early Years Jun 29, 2026

Early years chief defends sector against 'despicable headlines' and profit claims

Early Years Alliance chief executive Neil Leitch has robustly defended early years professionals against accusations that they prioritise profit over children's best interests, telling delegates at the organisation's annual conference that their extraordinary care is seen and valued despite negative media narratives.

Youngest Children Face Longest Waits for Mental Health Support, Commissioner Finds
Early Years Jun 29, 2026

Youngest Children Face Longest Waits for Mental Health Support, Commissioner Finds

Children under six are experiencing the longest delays in accessing mental health services compared to other age groups, according to a new report by the Children’s Commissioner for England. The findings reveal concerning disparities in early years support, with the youngest children left waiting longest for vital interventions during crucial developmental stages.

Landmark study warns screen time harms development of under-twos
Policy Jun 27, 2026

Landmark study warns screen time harms development of under-twos

New research has linked screen time for babies and toddlers under two with long-term negative effects on health and quality of life. The study warns of wide-ranging developmental concerns and calls for urgent investigation into the risks posed by smartphones, tablets and other digital devices.

Early years investment must survive cabinet reshuffle, argues charity chief
Policy Jun 26, 2026

Early years investment must survive cabinet reshuffle, argues charity chief

With Downing Street facing potential upheaval, Felicity Gillespie, chief executive of Kindred Squared, insists that whichever ministers take office must maintain the current focus on early years provision and the national school readiness target. The charity leader warns that political instability should not derail commitments to giving every child the best start in life.

DfE issues guidance to help nurseries prepare for SEND reforms
SEND Jun 25, 2026

DfE issues guidance to help nurseries prepare for SEND reforms

The Department for Education has published new guidance for early years providers on adapting their settings to better include children with special educational needs and disabilities. The guidance comes ahead of significant reforms to the SEND system, aiming to ensure nurseries are equipped to support all children effectively.