The latest Ofsted annual report has been released, with Sir Martyn Oliver setting out that supporting children in their earliest years is the best way to tackle inequalities and disadvantage. Despite mounting pressures, early years settings continue to shine. 98% were judged ‘outstanding’ or ‘good’ at their last inspection, a testament to the sector’s resilience and commitment to children.
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More children are at the expected level of development and also more are making good progress, according to the latest statistics from the Department for Education (DfE).
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The Chancellor announced her Budget measures today which included an end to the two child benefit cap, free training for apprentices but only business rates relief for retail and leisure sectors.
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The Chancellor announced increases to the National Living and Minimum Wages on Tuesday 25 November, a day ahead of Budget Day.
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When it comes to early years, keeping the children in your establishment safe is critical. That’s why DBS checks exist. They help you make sure the people you’re hiring are safe and suitable to work around children.
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Numbers of PVI nurseries increase for the second year running According to the latest Ofsted statistics, there are 260 more private, voluntary and independent nurseries and pre-schools (childcare on non domestic premises) compared with last year.
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Wednesday 12 November marked a double celebration for Sarah Steel as she attended her investiture ceremony to receive her OBE, an honour made even more special as it coincided with her birthday!
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The latest Government Pulse survey of providers from 2024-25 showed that nurseries are still under a lot of financial stress and struggling to expand in order to meet demand for funded places.
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The Real Living Wage (RLW) is set to rise from April 2026 by almost 7%, increasing to £13.45 per hour (an 85p rise) across the UK and £14.80 (a 95p rise) in London. The RLW is voluntary with many large and small companies, including a number of nurseries across the UK, choosing to sign up to demonstrate their commitment to fair pay.
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New research published today (7 October) showed that more families in Scotland were choosing to send their children to private and voluntary nurseries. The Scottish Household Survey 2024 Childcare report revealed that 32% of households with children aged up to five used private nurseries compared with just 24% in private nurseries in 2018.
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