AI-Curated News

Children's News Feed

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

Categories

Early Years 2 months ago

Early Years Theories: How Susan Isaacs and Chris Athey Shape Modern Practice

This article examines the influential theories of early years pioneers Susan Isaacs and Chris Athey, exploring how their groundbreaking work on emotional development and schematic learning continues to inform practice today. It considers the overlap between their approaches and offers practical insights for practitioners working within the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Read Summary
Apprenticeships in Early Years: Developing the Next Generation of Practitioners
Early Years Jul 1, 2026

Apprenticeships in Early Years: Developing the Next Generation of Practitioners

This article explores the current apprenticeships landscape within the early years sector, examining how these vocational pathways are shaping the future childcare workforce. It considers what local authorities need to know about training opportunities, funding arrangements and workforce development for nursery professionals.

Managing Unauthorised Leave: Guidance for Service Leaders
Social Care Jul 1, 2026

Managing Unauthorised Leave: Guidance for Service Leaders

Unauthorised holiday bookings present a significant challenge for managers across children's services and education settings. This practical guidance explores the steps leaders should take when staff book leave without prior approval, ensuring fair and consistent application of workforce policies whilst maintaining statutory service delivery.

Early Years Leaders Share Views on Professional Development and Qualifications
Education Jul 1, 2026

Early Years Leaders Share Views on Professional Development and Qualifications

Early years leaders are sharing insights on which qualifications and practical experience best equip them to inspire fellow educators and improve outcomes for young children. The feature explores the professional development pathways supporting leadership across nurseries and early years settings.

Putting anti-racism into practice: A Welsh primary school's journey
Schools Jul 1, 2026

Putting anti-racism into practice: A Welsh primary school's journey

Dr Stella Louis and Hannah Betteridge explore how one primary school in Wales has successfully translated anti-racist policy into meaningful everyday action. Their case study offers valuable insights for education leaders seeking to embed equity, belonging and cultural responsiveness across their settings.

Anti-Racist Practice in Action: Lessons from a Welsh Primary School
Schools Jul 1, 2026

Anti-Racist Practice in Action: Lessons from a Welsh Primary School

In the final instalment of this series, Dr Stella Louis and Hannah Betteridge examine how one primary school in Wales has successfully translated anti-racist policy into everyday practice. Their case study offers practical guidance for leaders seeking to foster genuinely inclusive school cultures.

Bright Horizons Safeguarding Case: Is Ofsted Changing How It Inspects Nursery Groups?
Safeguarding Jul 1, 2026

Bright Horizons Safeguarding Case: Is Ofsted Changing How It Inspects Nursery Groups?

Ofsted has taken legal action against Bright Horizons over safeguarding concerns, raising questions about whether the inspectorate is shifting its approach to regulating large nursery chains. This development suggests potential changes to how early years providers are monitored and could signal stricter scrutiny of corporate childcare groups.

12 firms investigated over suspected school repairs bid-rigging
Schools Jun 30, 2026

12 firms investigated over suspected school repairs bid-rigging

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has named twelve construction firms under investigation for suspected bid-rigging related to the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF). The probe concerns alleged anti-competitive practices in applications for school building repair funding.

Government plans NHS-style rules for academy CEO pay
Schools Jun 30, 2026

Government plans NHS-style rules for academy CEO pay

The government is planning to introduce NHS-style regulations to govern academy trust chief executive salaries, ensuring public funds represent proper value for money. The proposed framework would bring greater accountability and transparency to executive pay within the academies sector.

A million young lives on hold: The urgent case for earlier mental health intervention
Policy Jun 30, 2026

A million young lives on hold: The urgent case for earlier mental health intervention

The Children's Commissioner for England has highlighted that one million young people are awaiting mental health support, with many calling for intervention to begin before crisis hits. Drawing on responses from The Big Future consultation, the article argues for a fundamental shift toward early prevention rather than reactive treatment.

Families plunged into debt and hunger by soaring school holiday costs
Schools Jun 30, 2026

Families plunged into debt and hunger by soaring school holiday costs

A new report reveals that families across the UK are being forced into debt, skipping meals and relying on food banks as they struggle to meet the spiralling costs of school holidays. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted financial support and accessible holiday provision to prevent vulnerable households from reaching crisis point.

Nursery World Awards 2026: Early years finalists announced
Early Years Jun 30, 2026

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.

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.