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Children's News Feed

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

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Supporting school readiness: Why neurodiverse children need to move before they can sit
SEND May 1, 2026

Supporting school readiness: Why neurodiverse children need to move before they can sit

Charmaine Champ, a Queen's Award-winning Registered Nurse in Learning Disability, highlights the importance of understanding sensory processing differences in early childhood education. She explains that for many neurodiverse children, physical movement is a prerequisite to being able to sit still and engage with learning, challenging traditional expectations of school readiness.

Bringing Babies Back to Nature: A Froebelian Approach to Outdoor Learning
Education May 1, 2026

Bringing Babies Back to Nature: A Froebelian Approach to Outdoor Learning

Researchers from the babyNENE project share how a Froebelian-inspired nature pedagogy is helping early years practitioners rethink outdoor experiences for babies and toddlers. This first instalment explores the theoretical foundations and practical reflections needed to support the youngest children in connecting with the natural world.

Early Years Pupil Premium: Awareness High but Barriers Remain
Policy May 1, 2026

Early Years Pupil Premium: Awareness High but Barriers Remain

New research into the Early Years Pupil Premium reveals that whilst awareness and take-up of the funding are high, practical barriers continue to prevent some eligible families from accessing this vital support. Julian Grenier explores the findings and what they mean for closing the attainment gap in the early years.

Apprentice Insight: Supporting Individual Approaches to Settling In
Early Years May 1, 2026

Apprentice Insight: Supporting Individual Approaches to Settling In

Madalyn Holmes reflects on her Level 3 apprenticeship, sharing practical wisdom on why every child needs a personalised strategy when settling into early years provision. Her perspective offers valuable insight for councillors overseeing early years quality and workforce development.

Apprentice Insights: Why Every Child Needs a Different Approach to Settling In
Early Years May 1, 2026

Apprentice Insights: Why Every Child Needs a Different Approach to Settling In

Madalyn Holmes reflects on her Level 3 apprenticeship journey, sharing practical wisdom about how individualised settling-in strategies help children feel secure in early years settings. She emphasises that recognising each child's unique temperament and needs is essential for building trust during these critical transitions.

EYE SUPPLEMENT Finding the joy
Early Years May 1, 2026

EYE SUPPLEMENT Finding the joy

A book that invites early years practitioners to find the joy and wonder in early years practice is reviewed by Richard Willis, visiting professor at the University of South Wales

Picturebook Reviews: Helping Young Children Navigate Big Feelings
Early Years May 1, 2026

Picturebook Reviews: Helping Young Children Navigate Big Feelings

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, reviewer Meg Barclay explores a curated selection of picturebooks designed to help young children recognise and manage complex emotions. These resources offer valuable tools for parents, carers and early years practitioners seeking to support emotional literacy and wellbeing during the foundation years.

Early Years Pupil Premium: Progress on Awareness but Barriers to Access Remain
Policy May 1, 2026

Early Years Pupil Premium: Progress on Awareness but Barriers to Access Remain

New research reveals that whilst awareness of the Early Years Pupil Premium has reached high levels amongst providers, persistent practical barriers continue to hinder access to this vital funding. Julian Grenier examines the challenges facing early years settings in their efforts to close the attainment gap for disadvantaged children.