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

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Education 5 days ago

Early Years Exploration: Picturebooks Come to Life at City Farm

Young children experienced the magic of literature coming to life during an educational visit to a city farm, bridging the gap between storybook pages and real-world discovery. The hands-on experience provided valuable opportunities for early learners to connect fictional narratives with tangible experiences of animals and the environment.

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Sensory Exploration Outdoors: How Map Reading Builds Early Language Skills
Education Jul 29, 2026

Sensory Exploration Outdoors: How Map Reading Builds Early Language Skills

Julie Mountain and Felicity Robinson demonstrate how young children develop vital communication abilities by engaging their senses in natural environments. Through map reading and tactile exploration, children learn to articulate observations about how places look and feel, expanding their descriptive vocabulary.

Berkshire nursery removes screens to boost child development and play
Education Jul 29, 2026

Berkshire nursery removes screens to boost child development and play

A school nursery in Berkshire has eliminated screens from its provision entirely, while Reception classes now use technology only for specific educational purposes. The move reflects growing practitioner concerns about balancing digital preparation with the foundational experiences children need in their earliest years.

Moving the Box: Transforming Early Years Practice in Durham
Early Years Jul 29, 2026

Moving the Box: Transforming Early Years Practice in Durham

The Moving the Box programme is helping Reception teachers in Durham identify barriers to learning and strengthen relationships with pupils. By focusing on attentive practice and early intervention, the initiative aims to improve outcomes for children during their crucial first year of school.

Early years sector urges government heatwave safety funding
Policy Jul 28, 2026

Early years sector urges government heatwave safety funding

The Early Years Alliance is calling on the Government to provide targeted support for nurseries and childminders to operate safely during extreme heat. Leaders are requesting dedicated funding for air conditioning units and assurances that settings will not be penalised for closing during dangerous temperatures.

Bright Horizons nursery suspended by Ofsted over risk of harm to children
Safeguarding Jul 28, 2026

Bright Horizons nursery suspended by Ofsted over risk of harm to children

A Bright Horizons nursery in the North West has been temporarily closed after Ofsted inspectors identified that children were potentially 'at risk of harm'. The suspension prevents the setting from operating whilst regulatory investigations into safeguarding failures continue.

Why Early Listening Matters: Auditory Verbal Therapy in Early Years Settings
SEND Jul 28, 2026

Why Early Listening Matters: Auditory Verbal Therapy in Early Years Settings

Noel Kenely, founder of Hark and Spark, explains how nurseries and early years settings can transform outcomes for deaf children by understanding the principles of Auditory Verbal Therapy. Early intervention through specialist approaches helps lay the foundations for communication and learning before children reach statutory school age.

Tom Richardson: Why promotion is just the start for early years leaders
Blog Jul 28, 2026

Tom Richardson: Why promotion is just the start for early years leaders

When promoting staff to leadership positions in early years settings, organisations must remember that promotion is only the first step. Tom Richardson, operations director at Naturally Learning, argues that targeted training is essential to ensure new leaders fulfil their potential and deliver high-quality provision.

Sue Robb appointed as DfE's Best Start in Life Champion
Policy Jul 28, 2026

Sue Robb appointed as DfE's Best Start in Life Champion

Early childhood pedagogy expert Sue Robb, who played a pivotal role in introducing the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework in 2008, has been appointed as the Government's Best Start in Life Champion. The appointment, made by the Department for Education in February, brings a wealth of early years expertise to the heart of national policymaking.

Nurturing Futures: Child-Led Care at Alyth Kindergarten
Early Years Jul 28, 2026

Nurturing Futures: Child-Led Care at Alyth Kindergarten

Young children at Alyth Kindergarten in London embraced opportunities for empathetic learning during an innovative 'week of children's choice'. The initiative saw youngsters engaging in nurturing role-play as they cared for baby dolls, highlighting the value of child-led activities in supporting early emotional development.

Salisbury Hospital Nursery Partners with Wiltshire Creative
Education Jul 28, 2026

Salisbury Hospital Nursery Partners with Wiltshire Creative

Tops Day Nurseries Salisbury has formed an innovative partnership with Wiltshire Creative to bring arts and cultural experiences to children at the hospital-based setting. Located within Salisbury District Hospital, the collaboration aims to enrich early years education through creative engagement.