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Children's News Feed

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

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Babies Under One Account for Third of Serious Safeguarding Incidents
Safeguarding May 12, 2026

Babies Under One Account for Third of Serious Safeguarding Incidents

Babies under the age of one remain the most vulnerable age group, accounting for a third of all serious safeguarding incidents between 2024 and 2025, according to a new report. The findings underscore the critical need for robust early intervention and multi-agency vigilance during the earliest months of life.

Janet King: Valuing childminding in practice, not just in principle
Early Years May 11, 2026

Janet King: Valuing childminding in practice, not just in principle

Childminders deliver essential, high-quality care for families, but declining numbers highlight growing pressures on the system. Janet King, Sector Manager for Education and Childcare at NCFE, argues, during National Childminding Week (11-17 May), that recognition must now be backed by sustainable f...

Royal Early Childhood Centre Launches Social-Emotional Development Guidance
Education May 7, 2026

Royal Early Childhood Centre Launches Social-Emotional Development Guidance

The Princess of Wales’ Centre for Early Childhood has unveiled new guidance on social and emotional development aimed at supporting early years practitioners. The resource will be embedded into training courses to strengthen workforce understanding of young children’s wellbeing and developmental needs.

Early Years Funding Should Prioritise Child Need Over Parental Employment, Study Finds
SEND May 6, 2026

Early Years Funding Should Prioritise Child Need Over Parental Employment, Study Finds

A two-year research programme by the London Early Years Foundation reveals significant benefits for children with additional needs when early years funding targets developmental requirements rather than parental work status. The findings challenge current policy approaches and call for a fundamental shift in how England's childcare system is financed and delivered.

One in Five Scottish Nurseries Predict Losses as Funding Rates Fail to Cover Costs
Policy May 5, 2026

One in Five Scottish Nurseries Predict Losses as Funding Rates Fail to Cover Costs

New research reveals over 20% of nurseries in Scotland anticipate running at a loss this year, with providers warning that government funding rates do not meet the actual costs of delivering childcare places. The findings raise serious questions about the sustainability of early years provision and the financial pressures facing childcare businesses across the country.

BBC investigation exposes lethal baby-sleep advice from unqualified 'experts'
Safeguarding May 5, 2026

BBC investigation exposes lethal baby-sleep advice from unqualified 'experts'

Secret filming by the BBC has revealed alarming guidance being given to parents by self-described baby sleep experts, putting infants at risk of serious harm or death. Medical professionals have warned that the unregulated advice contradicts NHS safe sleep protocols and creates significant safeguarding concerns.