AI-Curated News

Children's News Feed

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

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Safeguarding 3 months ago

Research Links Early Childhood Physical Punishment to Teenage Bullying Behaviour

New research has revealed a concerning correlation between physical punishment in early childhood and an increased likelihood of bullying behaviour during adolescence. The findings suggest that children who experience hitting as a form of discipline are more prone to directing aggressive behaviours towards others, including siblings, as they enter their teenage years.

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SEND 3 months ago

Nursery World Webinar to Showcase New Government-Funded Early Years SENCo Training

Nursery World is hosting a webinar sponsored by Best Practice Network to demonstrate how new government-funded training can support early years educators to identify and meet the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities. The session will highlight practical strategies for Early Years SENCos to spot developmental concerns early and implement effective support in nursery settings.

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Early Years 3 months ago

Studies Find Shared Play Strengthens Family Bonds

New research demonstrates that shared play between parents and children serves as a powerful catalyst for strengthening emotional and physical connections. The findings highlight the importance of play-based interactions in supporting family relationships and early childhood development.

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Dr Ger Graus: Early Years Must Prepare Children for Life, Not Just School
Education Jun 11, 2026

Dr Ger Graus: Early Years Must Prepare Children for Life, Not Just School

Global education adviser Dr Ger Graus has challenged the narrow focus on school readiness in early years education, arguing that defining the sector solely by its ability to prepare children for reception is "an insult." Speaking at the NDNA conference, Graus emphasised that early years provision must instead focus on preparing children for life itself.

EHCP Numbers Top Half a Million as Ministers Plan Eligibility Restrictions
SEND Jun 11, 2026

EHCP Numbers Top Half a Million as Ministers Plan Eligibility Restrictions

Latest government figures reveal that over half a million pupils now have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), marking an 11 per cent annual increase. The statistics arrive as ministers signal intentions to reserve statutory support exclusively for the 'most complex' needs, raising significant questions for local SEND provision.

Research Shows Disadvantage Gap 'Locks In' by Age 11
Schools Jun 11, 2026

Research Shows Disadvantage Gap 'Locks In' by Age 11

New research from the Education Policy Institute and Education Endowment Foundation reveals that lower prior attainment is the largest contributor to the disadvantage gap, with nearly half becoming entrenched by the time pupils transition to secondary school. The findings underscore the critical importance of early intervention during the primary years to prevent persistent inequality.

Cambridge fined £875k by Ofqual for two-year automated test failures
Policy Jun 11, 2026

Cambridge fined £875k by Ofqual for two-year automated test failures

Cambridge Assessment has received a substantial penalty from Ofqual after system errors spanning two years disrupted automated tests, affecting visa and further education course applications. The regulatory action highlights significant concerns about quality assurance in high-stakes educational assessment systems.

Study links parental smacking to poor GCSE results and bullying behaviour
Safeguarding Jun 11, 2026

Study links parental smacking to poor GCSE results and bullying behaviour

New UCL research reveals that children physically punished at ages three, five and seven are significantly less likely to pass their GCSEs and more likely to exhibit bullying behaviours. The findings add weight to calls for England to follow Scotland and Wales in implementing a complete ban on physical punishment.

Smacking children linked to lower GCSE grades and long-term harm, study finds
Safeguarding Jun 10, 2026

Smacking children linked to lower GCSE grades and long-term harm, study finds

A University College London study has found that smacking children 'does no good whatsoever' and is associated with lower GCSE attainment. The research adds to growing evidence that physical punishment harms children's educational outcomes and wellbeing, reinforcing the need for robust safeguarding and positive parenting support.

UK Minister Defends Changes to Student Loans Amid Mounting Criticism
Policy Jun 10, 2026

UK Minister Defends Changes to Student Loans Amid Mounting Criticism

The UK government has defended recent modifications to student loan terms, with Chief Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby arguing that heavy public subsidies justify the changes. The minister told MPs that with fewer than half of young people attending university, the government must consider fairness to all taxpayers when reviewing the financing system.

Adult Skills Funding 2026-27: Rates Frozen as Earnings Thresholds Rise
Policy Jun 10, 2026

Adult Skills Funding 2026-27: Rates Frozen as Earnings Thresholds Rise

The government has announced that adult skills funding rates will remain frozen for 2026-27, despite rising earnings thresholds that determine learner eligibility. This creates fresh pressure on further education budgets as providers face higher costs without additional per-learner funding.