News category Archives

Scotland’s Childcare Guarantee calls for expanded funded hours

Pregnant Then Screwed Scotland has launched a new campaign: Scotland’s Childcare Guarantee. The charity highlights the urgent need for reform, with many families currently struggling to afford childcare.

Olivia Bailey and Josh MacAlister appointed as new education ministers

Olivia Bailey and Josh MacAlister have been appointed as the new junior education ministers

Ofsted publishes new inspection framework

Government must learn from first round of school-based nursery funding

More than £65 million for childcare expansion not reaching providers

We have been approached by a number of nurseries where parents have had their Universal Credit Childcare payments reduced as a result of the updated charging guidance from DfE.

More than £65 million for childcare expansion not reaching providers

EPI report: Absence rates are increasing among youngest children

We have been approached by a number of nurseries where parents have had their Universal Credit Childcare payments reduced as a result of the updated charging guidance from DfE.

Parent template letter for Universal Credit

We have been approached by a number of nurseries where parents have had their Universal Credit Childcare payments reduced as a result of the updated charging guidance from DfE.

Increases to national minimum wages cannot be unfunded in early years

The Low Pay Commission has announced that it is revising up its estimated increase in the National Living Wage (NLW) for 2026/27 from £12.65 to £12.71 per hour. This estimation is based on “stronger than forecast” wage growth, which impacts on how the National Living Wage is calculated.

Government statistics on funded early education and childcare show ‘concerning’ trend

The Department for Education has published official statistics on ‘Funded early education and childcare’. These are the annual statistics on children under five registered for government funded entitlements in England.

Government publishes its strategy “Giving every child the best start in life”

Following a string of announcements since Friday and over the weekend, the Department for Education has published its new strategy for early years, Giving every child the best start in life.