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Children's News Feed

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

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Working with parents: Saying ‘no’
Family Support & Early Help May 1, 2026

Working with parents: Saying ‘no’

It is possible to remain a warm parent while also setting boundaries for your child – and doing so will teach them important life skills. By Annette Rawstrone

Vygotsky and Bruner: How Early Years Learning Theories Shape Modern Practice
Education May 1, 2026

Vygotsky and Bruner: How Early Years Learning Theories Shape Modern Practice

Lev Vygotsky and Jerome Bruner revolutionised our understanding of how young children learn through their theories of social development and scaffolding. Their pioneering work continues to influence early years provision, pedagogy, and the adult-child interactions that support optimal learning in the first five years.

Sensory Art in Early Years: Children Create Immersive Exhibition
Education May 1, 2026

Sensory Art in Early Years: Children Create Immersive Exhibition

An early years setting has demonstrated the value of sensory play by supporting children to create an immersive art exhibition. The project showcases how creative, sensory-rich experiences encourage exploration and support child development across the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Words in the Wild: Building Vocabulary Through Outdoor Exploration
Education May 1, 2026

Words in the Wild: Building Vocabulary Through Outdoor Exploration

Outdoor exploration offers rich opportunities for young children to develop language and communication skills. By engaging with the natural environment and discovering 'treasures' in the wild, children expand their vocabulary and build descriptive language in meaningful contexts.

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.