The MP for Wantage and Didcot, David Johnston OBE has been appointed as the new parliamentary under-secretary of state for education to replace Claire Coutinho as part of the Prime Minister’s mini reshuffle today. He is the eighth minister with responsibility for childcare in the last five years.
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According to an investigation by National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) Scotland, only two local authorities have reported they will be increasing their early learning and childcare entitlement funding at the same rate as providers’ rising costs.
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The TUC have published a report on the childcare sector national recruitment crisis and are calling for a comprehensive strategy for the care workforce in England.
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A government consultation on mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse is due to close next week. The consultation, which could make it a criminal offence for early year workers failing to report cases, follows recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.
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The Education Committee published its long-awaited report following its inquiry into childcare, recommending more financial support for nurseries and measures to improve recruitment and retention.
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The Department for Education (DfE) has announced a consultation into how the funded entitlements will be calculated for the expanded childcare offer from April 2024.
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A project evaluation report published by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) alongside a team from the Universities of York and Durham found evidence that the Maths Champions programme has improved young children’s maths and language development.
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The investment intended to make childcare more accessible allowing more parents to return to work and stimulate economic growth is being celebrated by government as ‘the largest ever investment in childcare.’
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New research by the Local Government Association reveals that nursery closures this year will have a dramatic impact on the Government’s planned extension of the 30 hours free childcare scheme.
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The picture looks grim for nurseries and pre-schools, with a net loss of 651 settings on the EY register in just one year and more than 4,000 places lost since August alone.
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