AI-Curated News

Children's News Feed

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

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Safeguarding 1 week 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 1 week 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 1 week 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.

Healthy diet costs 85% of income for poorest families as child obesity rises
Early Years Jun 10, 2026

Healthy diet costs 85% of income for poorest families as child obesity rises

New research reveals that families on the lowest incomes must spend 85 per cent of their disposable income to afford a government-recommended healthy diet. The findings coincide with increasing levels of obesity and tooth decay among Reception-aged children, highlighting the direct link between poverty and early childhood health outcomes.

How Effective Mentorship Can Transform Early Years Workforce Development
Early Years Jun 9, 2026

How Effective Mentorship Can Transform Early Years Workforce Development

Jack Edwards, operations director at Swift Childcare, examines how strategic mentorship programmes can significantly enhance support for new practitioners in early years settings. Effective mentoring not only improves staff retention and confidence but also directly impacts the quality of care and education provided to young children.

Experts warn early years reforms will falter without workforce strategy
Policy Jun 9, 2026

Experts warn early years reforms will falter without workforce strategy

Specialists have told MPs that the Government’s early years plans risk falling short without a comprehensive strategy to recruit and retain staff. The evidence highlights that sustainable workforce planning is essential to delivering high-quality support for children and families.

DfE Early Years Champion Urges Sector Unity Amid ‘Best Start in Life’ Strategy Concerns
Policy Jun 9, 2026

DfE Early Years Champion Urges Sector Unity Amid ‘Best Start in Life’ Strategy Concerns

Sue Robb, the Department for Education’s Early Years Champion, has called on private, voluntary and independent nurseries to unite with school-based providers amid growing concerns that the Government’s Best Start in Life strategy risks creating artificial divisions between sectors. The intervention comes as early years leaders warn that current policy approaches may inadvertently pit PVI nurseries against maintained nursery schools.

Ofsted to scrutinise notification patterns in early years crackdown
Safeguarding Jun 8, 2026

Ofsted to scrutinise notification patterns in early years crackdown

Sir Martyn Oliver has announced that Ofsted will intensify scrutiny of statutory notifications from early years providers, examining settings that submit either no reports or unusually high volumes. The move signals a shift toward intelligence-led regulation as the inspectorate seeks to identify potential safeguarding risks and compliance concerns through data analysis.