The Childcare Service website has been beset with problems since it was launched earlier this year. Parents have found it difficult to sign up and use the website for it's intended purpose. Following reports of issues, the Treasury select com…
The Cost of a Child in 2017 report calculates the cost of raising a child in the UK based on the minimum income standard (MIS). MIS is the income needed to give children an acceptable minimum living standard as defined by the public. It is …
Amanda Spielman encourages school leaders to make decisions based on their experienced judgement. You can discuss the health and safety implications of Amanda Spielman's comments on this thread.
Ofsted have released a series of short video clips on their You Tube channel. The clips address some of the most common misconceptions about inspections and inspector's expectations. You can watch the clips here and then talk about them on …
The new Minister of State for Children and Families has written an open letter to providers, you can read it here. If you would like to comment on his letter you may do so on this forum thread.
The DfE have updated their guidance for the implementation of the 30 hours having considered feedback from the sector. You can access the updated guidance here: 30 hours free childcare: LA and early years provider guide. The forum thread for…
This research piece funded by DfE looked into the following: effect of early education on children’s outcomes, quality of provision and value for money of providing funded early years education to 2-year-olds from lower income families. Wit…
Schoolsweek magazine today announced news of the DfE's intention that English schools will join a pilot of PISA tests for 5 year olds this year. A trial will take place between October and December this year in around 20 schools and settings…
The FSF is proud to be part of this small group of early years experts who are working together with MPs to ensure that the voice of the sector is heard in Parliament. You can read about it in Nursery World and here on this thread.
New shadow early years minister announced: In the announcement of the new shadow cabinet, Tracy Babin MP (Batley and Spen) has been selected as shadow minister for early years. Elected to Parliament in October 2016, the Batley and Spen by…
The minister who has responsiblity for early years, Caroline Dineage, has been moved from the DfE to the DWP. There hasn't been an announcement regarding her replacement yet. We also don't have a shadow minister representing early years
Professor Dr Paul Ramchandani has been appointed Professor of Play at the PEDAL research centre in Cambridge. A clinical backgorund in child and adolescent psychiatry and an interest in the impact of parental involvement in early years devel…
Early Education have usefully published a breakdown of how the different political parties are approaching early years in the General Election. You can read their comments and breakdown here. As always the FSF remains impartial. If you would …
On the site, parents can sign up and start their tax free account and link to their childcare provider. Parents are also able to check their eligibility for the 30 hours provision. The website is called 'Childcare Choices'.
The Government have released an additional £50m to help with the introduction of the 'free' 30 hours. Whilst the additional funds are welcomed by the sector, some providers have concerns about the 'strings' attached to the money. Notable voi…
The PLA has released it's report following the survey of providers made in March. The results make for stark reading, yet reflect the discussions that have been held on FSF over the last few months. Neil Leitch, chief executive of PLA, has to…
Yesterday the DfE announced a rethink of baseline testing in reception and also of SATs at the end of Year 2. The DfE is proposing to scrap SAT tests for children aged seven in favour of a baseline assessment at the start of reception. Educa…
The BBC 'Trending' section of the news site has today released shocking details of scary videos that are very easily accessed by children. They say "If you're not paying much attention, it might look like an ordinary video featuring Peppa Pig…
The website helps parents to navigate through the different childcare cost options. They are announcing this under the following banner "The government is introducing new ways to help parents with childcare costs. Whether you have toddlers or…
The Department for Education data shows 10% of nursery staff earn less than £7.20 an hour the minimum for over-25s. The Family and Childcare Trust says the government must ensure the nurseries it subsidises do not flout the law. The sector i…
The NDNA have produced an excellent factsheet that addresses many of the questions related to the 30 hour funding. They have referenced the new LA guidelines to help providers make informed decisions regarding how and when they offer the 30 h…
FSF met with Ofsted's Early Education Deputy Director this week and discussed their latest campaign - #EYmythbusting. Is there something you've always wanted to know but were too afraid to ask? Did someone tell you something on a course and …
Speaking at Child Expo this morning, Minister Caroline Dinenage has announced that the GCSE maths and english requirement for L3 practitioners has been scrapped. She said: "I was determined to listen to you" : Minister says that response to …
Minister Caroline Dinenage announced the new Statutory framework at the Childcare expo event. Here is the document - you have little time to get it in place - it becomes 'Statutory' in one month. April 3rd is the 'effective' date. Statutory F…
Nick Gibb MP, Minister for School Standards, Department for Education, has shared his thoughts on the ways forward for Primary Assessment. The STA and Ofqual also contributed. The TES has comprehensively summarised the meeting, you can read t…
