Childcare News

The Labour party has warned the UK's economic recovery could be delayed, unless emergency funding is provided to help nurseries and childcare providers hit by the coronavirus crisis. Shadow education minister Tulip Siddiq has urged the...

The children’s commissioner, Anne Longfield has urged ministers to overhaul early years services in England, stating that the whole pre-school sector needs reform, as well as additional funding to prevent mass closures of settings. As well as an...

Literacy experts have claimed that the new baseline assessment for four- and five-year olds has "no diagnostic value", and provides "no mechanism through which to promote positive outcomes for children”. It is also reported that Reception...

New research has revealed that within the early years sector, a lack of staff training - together with resource pressures - is making it more difficult to identify children with special educational needs. This latest study, conducted by the...

The chancellor has today unveiled a ‘kickstart jobs scheme’ for young people in his summer statement, meaning that companies will now be given £2000 each to encourage them to hire apprentices aged 16-24; and £1500 for apprentices aged over 25....

Press release from Little Adventurers Nursery Little Adventurers Nursery enjoyed belated 5th birthday celebrations on Monday (6th July) with a personal visit from a classic Ice Cream van from Piccadilly Whip! A wonderful two-tier birthday cake,...

The Government and 48 early years sector representative bodies have submitted their responses to the EYFS Reforms consultation, which received a total of 2,452 responses in total. The Government’s response can be read here, in full, but in...

The Department for Education has published new guidance for early years settings, including removing the need for children to be in “small consistent groups” - commonly known as ‘bubbles’. This will take place from 20th July. Nurseries will...

The prime minister has promised to offer an “opportunity guarantee” that will give “every young person the chance of an apprenticeship or an in-work placement” to boost the economy post Covid-19. The finer details of the policy were not revealed...

A £1bn fund to help England's children catch up on what they have missed while schools have been closed has been announced by the prime minister. However, nurseries, pre-schools and childminders are not included in this 'catch-up' funding plan....

As childcare providers prepare to re-open, they face huge financial losses and could well have to recoup these from parents or risk going bust, experts have warned. Parents may be forced to pay up to 10% more for childcare or potentially quit...

A recent survey has revealed that on average, fathers in the UK are spending longer - 58% longer - looking after their children in lockdown than they would usually do. In the run up to Father’s Day, The Fatherhood Institute revealed that...

Press release from Tops Day Nurseries: Cheryl Hadland, Managing Director of Tops Day Nurseries, has recently published her brand new book: Creating an Eco-Friendly Early Years Setting. Proceeds of the book will go to the charity, GECCO, because...

Press release form Christopher Robin Day Nurseries To support social distancing measures across its five locations, Christopher Robin Day Nurseries is asking parents to check-in remotely using their smartphones when dropping off and picking up...

On 2nd  June, the DfE updated its “Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus outbreak” outlining its restructured guidance in line with wider opening. The full guidance can be read here, but new sections have been...

It’s no surprise that disruption to our workforce, caused by the impact of Covid-19, has had a huge impact on working families’ lives. A big challenge (for working mums in particular) is how to balance paid work with caring responsibilities....

Seventy one per cent of early years settings who were able to welcome all children back from 1st  June are expected to run at a loss until September, according to a ‘snapshot survey’ conducted by the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA). A...

Press Release from:Tops Day Nurseries Tops Day Nurseries Babbacombe made the difficult decision to close its doors last month due to government advice and lack of numbers. Just a few weeks later, the nursery have welcomed back a number of...

A ‘catch-up’ programme for four- and five-year-olds could be "crucial" to closing the disadvantage gap that will "inevitably widen" while schools are closed, new research suggests. The programme, designed to improve children's language...

The Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced £76 million of extra funding to support survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and vulnerable children and their families and victims of modern slavery. A change to the existing rules...

Prime Minister Boris Johnson didn’t reference the early years sector during his much-anticipated update on Sunday evening regarding his plans to ease the current coronavirus lockdown. He announced that some primary pupils (reception, Year 1 and...

A recent survey revealed that a quarter of early years childcare providers predict that they will have to permanently close due to the coronavirus lockdown, potentially leaving the sector “on the brink of collapse”. Almost half of providers say...

Press release from: Tops Day Nurseries The Souths leading chain of day nurseries have received a donation of visor masks for childcare colleagues, made by Lytchett Minster School in Dorset. With fewer students at the school, Design &...

Over the last few weeks, everyone’s lives have changed in a way that no one could ever have imagined. Things are very different and who knows what ‘normal’ will look like in the future. Meanwhile, we all have to deal with an ever-changing world...

Press release from UK Nanny. United Kingdom 29th April 2020 – Four leading childcare and education professionals came together from all parts of the UK to launch Nannies Matter campaign after lengthy discussions during the Covid-19 lockdown. The...

Children’s Minister Vicky Ford has issued a strong rebuttal to these claims that the Government has backtracked over furlough funding. Speaking at the Education Select Committee meeting on 22 April, she said, ‘There has never been a change in...

Labour’s shadow childcare minister has warned that the government’s decision to withdraw furlough funding for early years providers will “cripple” nurseries and force many to shut. On 22nd April, Tulip Siddiq urged ministers to rethink the...

The Department for Education has announced changes to existing early years guidance which will allow councils to move around government funding for the 'free entitlement' scheme in "exceptional circumstances" to make sure sufficient childcare...

Press release from Tops Day Nurseries. The recent restriction on childcare eligibility announced by the government has made it extremely difficult and non-viable for some nurseries to remain open. Recent reports have shown that Key Worker...

The government has confirmed that apprentices can continue with their funded training, when their employer uses the job retention scheme, as long as they are paid the apprenticeship minimum wage “for all the time they spend training”. HMRC...

The emergency loans scheme for businesses struggling to survive amid the coronavirus pandemic has been revamped following strong criticism and developments will be watched closely by the early years sector. The Treasury said it had received more...

Early years foundation stage profile will not take place this year, but teachers  should still follow framework. The early years foundation stage will still apply "in full" despite the coronavirus outbreak, the government has said. However,...

Updated guidance from HMRC states childcare staff can be placed on furlough more than once. HMRC has clarified that childcare staff can be placed on furlough more than once, giving nurseries the flexibility to ‘unfurlough’ and ‘refurlough’ staff...

Local Councillor, Marilyn Ashton, was joined by Boys & Girls Nursery Director Natasha Kirby and Nursery Manager Denise Brown today as they officially opened a brand new garden and play area for children at Boys & Girls Nursery, based in...

Press release from ICP Nurseries. ICP Nurseries are thrilled to announce they have been selected as the Apprentice Employer of the Year 2020 by Eden Training Solutions. ICP Nurseries have been recognised for their commitment to training and...

Schools have been told they have an extra year to bring their curriculum into line with Ofsted’s new inspection framework, after it announced an extension to its transition period. The new framework, which places greater emphasis on curriculum...

Although not a new notion, early years experts have said that there is now a “wealth of evidence” that a child’s month of birth has an impact on academic grades and sporting achievements. The latest Department for Education (DfE) data shows that...

Following the recent Cabinet reshuffle which saw Gavin Williamson hold on to his position of Education Minister, last Friday (14th February) Gillian Keegan was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Education -...

Press release from Milton Hall Montessori School. All the children at Milton Hall Montessori School have learned about the Australian official national day and how it has evolved over time to celebrate Australia and all of its people. During the...

Press release from Bright Little Stars Nursery. Bright Little Stars Nursery won ‘Best Website’ at the National Nursery Recognition Awards 2020. We are absolutely overjoyed with this achievement and so pleased to also be a finalist for ‘Best...

It was confirmed last Friday by the chief medical officer for England that two people have tested positive for coronavirus in the UK.  The two Chinese nationals were located in York, but are now being treated at Royal Victoria Infirmary in...

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge has launched a UK-wide survey to help improve the lives of our under-fives. Kensington Palace said the five-question online survey aims to "spark a national conversation" to help create "lasting change...

Press release from ICP Nurseries. ICP Nurseries has been honoured with a Glassdoor Employees’ Choice Award, for being one of the Best Places to Work in 2020. This award recognises employers that shine the brightest according to those who know...

Press release from Tops Day Nurseries. Simon Hoare MP has met with local childcare provider Cheryl Hadland of Tops Day Nurseries at Tops Gillingham Nursery and pledged his commitment to support local childcare providers. Simon Hoare MP joined...

Press release from Tops Wareham. This January, staff and children at Tops Wareham celebrated the nursery’s 20th birthday. The afternoon welcomed special guests including Marty Mouse as well as previous parents, children and staff members to...

Press release from Milton Hall Montessori Nursery School. At Milton Hall Montessori School we did lots of activities and learning about how Chinese people around the world celebrate Chinese New Year. We learned that Chinese New Year is an...

Press release from Milton Hall Montessori Nursery School. The children at Milton Hall Montessori Nursery School recently embarked on a village walk to Royal Holloway University in Egham. Several children at the setting were very curious about...

Press release from Bright Kids Nursery. There were celebrations all round last week as an award-winning local nursery group’s flagship setting marked its 21st birthday! Set up by Bright Kids Group Owner and local entrepreneur Tricia Wellings,...

It has been revealed that £63.5m of childcare funding has been used to plug financial gaps in other areas of the education budget. A report by the NDNA found that 74% of councils are redirecting these funds to alternative areas of their...

In the lead up to National Apprenticeship week (3-7 February), a study has revealed that in the past 20 years, the number of teenagers working has almost halved, with many choosing to prioritise study over part-time work. The recent Resolution...

The Department for Education has reiterated its support for the early years sector after an industry leader challenged the DfE, saying nurseries are struggling due to early years settings continuing to be under-valued by the government. Alice...

Press release from Milton Hall Montessori Performance of The Christmas Story by children at Milton Hall Montessori Nursery School in Englefield Green was well-received by many proud parents. Every child at the school dressed up and took part in...

Why has music survived as long as it has? For the longest time, science has asked this question – why is music still a part of our lives today? Since the beginning of time, people have recorded their everyday activities: from the Egyptian...

Kids Collective, the award-winning childcare provider that runs holiday, breakfast and after-school clubs across Cheshire visited CAFT and generously donated £1,000, alongside dozens of Christmas selection boxes for the children. The Children’s...

Press release from Little Adventurers Nursery in Cranham. Nursery staff from Little Adventurers Nursery in Cranham are keen to support local charities and community projects and this Christmas they decided it was all about socks! Along with...

It’s a huge week ahead for the future of the United Kingdom. By the end of the week we will know who our Prime Minister is for the foreseeable future; and which political party (or parties in the case of a coalition) will navigate the country...

Despite an order by the Information Commissioner (ICO), the Department for Education has refused to publish how it calculated its funding rates for the 30 hours childcare. We reported last month on the encouraging news that DfE ministers were...

Early years settings should be able to ban sugary and junk food from lunchboxes, according to a new survey. The poll, carried out by daynurseries.co.uk, which questioned 1,000 nursery owners, managers and staff, found that 73% are in favour of...

The Living Wage Foundation has announced that the new threshold for the real living hourly wage in the UK has increased to £9.30 in the UK overall, and £10.75 in London. This equates to an increase of 30p per hour in the UK, and 20p in London....

Press release from Milton Hall Montessori Children, parents and staff at Milton Hall Montessori raised a fantastic £125.31 for BBC Children in Need this last week. The School raised the funds through selling raffle tickets to win a prize of a...

Press release from Bright Kids Group. Bright Kids Group has been helping to support Children in Need. They held a fancy dress day on Friday 15th November and staff and children donned their best bright, colourful and Pudsey outfits and collected...

Press release from Elmscot Hale Day Nursery & Nursery School. Elmscot Hale Day Nursery & Nursery School has become the first setting in Trafford to achieve Plastic Free status through the Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) scheme. SAS is a UK...

The children at Milton Hall have been talking about Remembrance Day and respecting the two-minute silence. They have made a wreath out of twigs, raffia, wrapped the wreath with red and green organza fabric with poppies made out of red card. The...

Press release from Elmscot Hale Day Nursery & Nursery School. A preschool child from Elmscot Hale Day Nursery & Nursery School has brought his money box into nursery and requested that all its contents are given to the Children in Need...

Last week, Gill Jones, Ofsted’s Deputy Director for Early Education, discussed how Ofsted looks at early reading and phonics teaching as part of its new inspections. She explains in her blog that the new EIF includes a reading ‘deep dive’. This...

The government has reverted to its original requirement of children being able to count to beyond 20 rather 10 whilst also removing shape, space and measure under its early learning goals overhaul. Its proposals for reception pupils’...

The DfE has published the results of its 2019 survey of Childcare and Early Years Providers. The survey which took place from March to July 2019 shows that there are an estimated 72,000 providers in England, offering 1.7 million Ofsted...

Press release from Bright Kids Nursery, Northfield. Children at a Birmingham nursery have been getting curious following the introduction of an initiative that inspires imaginative play in learning. Staff at Bright Kids Nursery, on Norman Road,...

The Department of Education has announced that it will continue its extra funding for maintained nursery schools. This investment will go towards ensuring nurseries and childminders can support some of the most disadvantaged children in their...

The government is allegedly considering extending funded childcare for two-year-olds to all working families in England. A report in The Sun newspaper stated that ministers are seeking new and improved ways to try and help working families who...

The number of four- and five-year-olds, at a "good level of development" at the end of their Reception year has risen for the fifth year in a row, demonstrating once again success in our early years settings. In 2019, 71.8% of children reached...

The Government’s report on the outcome of further education for 2016/2017 has been published with some encouraging statistics. The “Further education: outcome-based success measures, 2016/17” states that 76% of learners and apprentices continue...

Press release from Boys & Girls Nursery. Children from Boys & Girls Nursery welcomed some special little guests into their nursery when the Rangers from ZooLab came to visit to celebrate World Animal Day in October. The children were...

Transparency at last, as DfE ministers are told by the Information Commissioner today that they must reveal the calculation methods used for free and subsidised nursery places. This news will be welcomed with open arms by the early years sector....

It’s very important to teach children about different cultures and traditions, so we like to celebrate all kinds of special days and festivals at Milton Hall Montessori School. This week we all celebrated Diwali; the Hindu festival of light. ...

The Children’s Commissioner and other charities have called for England to follow Scotland’s lead in banning smacking. Last week Scotland became the first country in the UK to criminalise smacking, bringing in new legislation which will see...

Following a backlash from the local community, a nursery has been forced to return a counter-extremism grant from the Government. The Stoke-on-Trent nursery had been awarded a grant from the Home Office’s ‘Building a Stronger Britain Together’...

A mobile nursery based in a double-decker bus will launch next year, with the aim of supporting parents working in the performing arts. The idea for the bus was generated by businessman Mark Radcliffe and actress Charlotte Riley to help parents...

Press release from Milton Hall Montessori School Parents and children from Milton Hall Montessori school in Englefield Green collected dozens of items of food to donate to the elderly in Birchlands Care Home. On Wednesday. 9th October, the...

An industry poll has found that 27% of nursery managers and staff have seen a rise in children biting over the last 5 years. Some nursery managers have suggested that this is due to children having too much screen time and parents being too busy...

A report by the Government has found that families of children with SEND are being let down by the system set up to support them. It found that families needing an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) for their child are facing a delay of more...

Two years on from the tragedy, a nursery located at the foot of Grenfell Tower has rebuilt their setting in the most spectacular fashion. Grenfell Early Years, which cared for 40 children, was housed at the base of the tower and was cordoned off...

Press release from Elmscot Day Nurseries Nursery Managers and Practitioners of Elmscot Group Day Nurseries, Nursery Schools and Out-of-School Clubs across Cheshire have come together to show their support for World Mental Health Day....

Press release from Hungry Caterpillars We are so proud to announce that Kate, our wonderful Chef from our Chalfont St Peter Nursery has been shortlisted as a finalist for the NMT Nursery Chef 2019 Kate was secretly nominated by her team for her...