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Policy 2 weeks ago

DfE updates EYFS framework with new infant sleep safety requirements

The Department for Education has published an updated Early Years Foundation Stage framework introducing stricter safeguarding requirements for babies under 12 months in childcare settings. The changes mandate that infants must sleep in cots whilst under the care of childminders and in group-based provision, alongside strengthened guidance on screen use.

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Early Years Workforce Under 'Significant' Pressure Despite Positive Ofsted Data
Policy Jul 9, 2026

Early Years Workforce Under 'Significant' Pressure Despite Positive Ofsted Data

While the latest Ofsted data reveals fewer childminders are leaving the sector and those operating are achieving good inspection grades, Coram PACEY's chief executive Ka Lai Brightley-Hodges warns that positive headlines mask deep systemic strains. She argues that reliance on goodwill and dedication alone cannot sustain the early years profession amid mounting pressures.

Unsafe baby products remain on sale via Amazon and TikTok, Which? finds
Safeguarding Jul 8, 2026

Unsafe baby products remain on sale via Amazon and TikTok, Which? finds

An investigation by Which? has uncovered dozens of unsafe baby products, including pillows, sleeping bags and feeders subject to safety notices, still available for purchase on major online marketplaces such as Amazon and TikTok. The findings highlight significant gaps in consumer protection and raise urgent questions about the responsibility of digital platforms to safeguard vulnerable infants from potentially lethal items.

Education Secretary calls for universal 30-hour early years entitlement
Policy Jul 8, 2026

Education Secretary calls for universal 30-hour early years entitlement

Bridget Phillipson has announced her intention to extend the 30 hours of funded early education to include low-income families currently excluded from the scheme. The proposal aims to remove eligibility barriers and ensure universal access to crucial early years provision.

Childminder shortage threatens expansion of 30-hour childcare offer
Policy Jul 8, 2026

Childminder shortage threatens expansion of 30-hour childcare offer

The Education Secretary's proposal to extend the 30-hour childcare entitlement to families on benefits faces a significant hurdle, as industry leaders warn of a critical shortage of childminders. Tina Maltman, chief executive of Childminding UK, cautions that boosting provision must precede policy expansion to ensure sufficient childcare spaces are available.

Government Launches Early Years Funding Consultation as Sector Warns of Underfunding
Policy Jul 6, 2026

Government Launches Early Years Funding Consultation as Sector Warns of Underfunding

The Government has published its consultation on early years funding, proposing changes to the national funding formula for three and four-year-olds and a minimum funding floor for younger children. Early years providers argue the reforms fail to address the systemic underfunding threatening the stability of childcare provision across local authorities.

Early Years Voice Urges CMA to 'Finish the Job' on Funding Investigation
Policy Jul 3, 2026

Early Years Voice Urges CMA to 'Finish the Job' on Funding Investigation

Ian Morgan, chair of Early Years Voice, is urging the early years sector to engage with the Competition and Markets Authority's review, warning that without a full market investigation, recommendations on Government funding risk being shelved. The campaign group argues that only a thorough investigation will deliver meaningful change for childcare providers.

Charity urges tech giants to remove 'suitable for babies' ratings for under-twos
Safeguarding Jul 3, 2026

Charity urges tech giants to remove 'suitable for babies' ratings for under-twos

A leading early childhood charity has called on major technology companies to stop labelling digital content as appropriate for babies under two years old. The organisation, focused on the critical first 1001 days of life, argues that screen-based content is not suitable for infants and wants companies to update their age-rating systems to reflect developmental guidance.