Early Years

Tuesday

9th Jun 2026

Nearly three-quarters of nursery schools to cut costs amid pressures
Many maintained nursery schools are struggling to stay afloat, research shows – at a time when the government is talking up early years’ role in getting children school-ready
Stay afloat

Monday

18th May 2026

The 6 essentials of primary transition planning
The government has suggested that young children’s transition to school must start on Primary Offer Day, but what does this look like in practice? Molly Devlin sets out her trust’s approach
Bird flying from nest

Thursday

16th Apr 2026

Deprived schools need bigger share of nurseries cash, DfE told
Most of the schools successful in applying for the grant to open new nurseries have fewer FSM pupils than the national average, ÌÇÐÄVlog analysis reveals
School‑based nurseries scheme should be 'better targeted' at deprived areas
Exclusive

Wednesday

15th Apr 2026

What neuroscience tells us about teaching young children
We know that the youngest pupils’ brains work differently to adult brains, and scientific research has now uncovered some of the secrets to keeping early years children engaged in their learning, argues neuroscientist Sam Wass
Brain montage

Friday

27th Mar 2026

Ofsted to inspect early years providers more often
Early education minister’s letter to chief inspector outlines new requirements for Ofsted, including the need to inspect every four years
Early years providers

Tuesday

24th Mar 2026

The benefits of ‘loose parts’ play in the early years
Undirected play with small materials can support a wide range of learning outcomes, but practitioners need time and support to use the approach well, writes Lucy Fox
EYFS loose parts

Friday

20th Mar 2026

Why early years settings need to reduce noise and ‘visual clutter’
Pre-school children’s brains are less able to filter out visual and auditory distractions – but their settings are among the noisiest and busiest, says early years expert
Why early years settings need to address noise and visual 'clutter'

Monday

16th Mar 2026

How schools can show parents the value of play
Some parents query why their child is still playing rather than engaging with formal teaching. Paul Ramchandani explains how EYFS professionals can help change their view
Paul Ramchandani on his bike

Thursday

5th Mar 2026

How to get early years specialist provision right
Hackney’s first early years additional resource provision opened in September. Its headteacher tells ÌÇÐÄVlog how the specialist setting and curriculum are supporting some of the youngest children with complex needs
Child with puzzle

Friday

20th Feb 2026

Why we need workforce reform in the early years
The needs of children starting school now are different than they were a few decades ago. So it’s time for us to make staffing changes, too, suggests Julian Grenier
Young boy tying shoe laces

Wednesday

11th Feb 2026

Ofsted: We ‘could do more’ on early years safeguarding
MPs question senior Ofsted official on whether the safeguarding system in the early years is fit for purpose
Small child in a bubble

Friday

6th Feb 2026

School-readiness focus for new Best Start in Life ‘champion’
The DfE’s appointment of Sue Robb comes amid concerns that too many children are arriving in Reception lacking basic skills
Sue Robb