AI-Curated News

Children's News Feed

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

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Schools 1 month ago

Families plunged into debt and hunger by soaring school holiday costs

A new report reveals that families across the UK are being forced into debt, skipping meals and relying on food banks as they struggle to meet the spiralling costs of school holidays. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted financial support and accessible holiday provision to prevent vulnerable households from reaching crisis point.

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Early Years 1 month ago

Nursery World Awards 2026: Early years finalists announced

The shortlist for the prestigious Nursery World Awards 2026 has been unveiled, celebrating excellence in childcare and early education provision across the country. The finalists recognise outstanding dedication and innovation within the sector that supports children from birth to age five.

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DfE review: School-based nurseries boost admissions but highlight workforce pressures
Schools Jun 30, 2026

DfE review: School-based nurseries boost admissions but highlight workforce pressures

New Department for Education research reveals that school-based nurseries are helping to reverse declining primary school admissions, though settings are increasingly relying on agency staff to fill workforce gaps. The findings come from the first phase of government funding aimed at expanding nursery provision within school settings.

School Smartphone Bans "Overly Simplistic" and Punitive, UCL Study Finds
Schools Jun 30, 2026

School Smartphone Bans "Overly Simplistic" and Punitive, UCL Study Finds

A new University College London report warns that outright bans on smartphones in schools are regarded as "punitive" by young people and may have unintended negative consequences. The research, published as statutory guidance enforcing phone-free schools takes effect in England, suggests pupils do not support blanket restrictions.

SEND Training in Focus: Building Capacity for System Reform
SEND Jun 30, 2026

SEND Training in Focus: Building Capacity for System Reform

As the Government prepares to reform special educational needs and disability policies, demand for specialist training is rising sharply. New courses are equipping education and care professionals with the expertise needed to navigate the evolving landscape and deliver improved outcomes for children and families.

Early Years Safety Warning: Regulation Reform 'Should Have Preceded' Funded Hours Roll-out
Policy Jun 30, 2026

Early Years Safety Warning: Regulation Reform 'Should Have Preceded' Funded Hours Roll-out

Early years practitioner Michael Pettavel has warned that reforms to sector regulation, qualifications and pay should have been implemented before the expansion of government-funded childcare hours. Speaking about the national rollout, he cautioned that safety has not been prioritised, leaving the sector facing significant challenges around workforce standards and sustainability.

Sam Smethers: Reforming separation to protect survivors of economic abuse
Safeguarding Jun 30, 2026

Sam Smethers: Reforming separation to protect survivors of economic abuse

Sam Smethers argues that current legal reforms present a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make separation processes fairer and safer for survivors of economic abuse. This article explores how recognising financial coercion within family breakdown can strengthen local safeguarding and early help services.

Working with Parents: Why Boredom Benefits Early Development
Early Years Jun 30, 2026

Working with Parents: Why Boredom Benefits Early Development

Resisting the urge to hand a child a screen when they complain of boredom opens up valuable opportunities for imaginative play and meaningful social interaction. This approach supports the cognitive and emotional foundations that prepare children for lifelong learning and school readiness.