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Children's News Feed

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

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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.

DfE Acts on Data Showing 55% Birthday Absence Spike in Schools
Policy Jun 9, 2026

DfE Acts on Data Showing 55% Birthday Absence Spike in Schools

New Department for Education analysis reveals pupils are up to 55% more likely to miss school on their birthday, prompting fresh guidance for schools. The recommendations include introducing 'under the weather' absence forms and birthday lunch queue passes to discourage parents from keeping children home for celebrations.

Documentary showcases council respite support for young carers in Walthamstow
Family Support & Early Help Jun 9, 2026

Documentary showcases council respite support for young carers in Walthamstow

A new documentary highlights the vital work supporting young carers in Walthamstow, where council-led activities provide a rare break for children caring for family members. With over one million young carers in the UK averaging just 12 years old, the film calls for greater recognition of this hidden army and the local authority services that sustain them.