Early years development has continued to improve, but the gap between the lowest achievers and their peers is still growing, government figures show. The attainment gap has increased in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Picture: Lucie Carlier The...
Primary headteachers condemn the negative effect of SATs on pupils’ wellbeing
Over 80% of headteachers agree that SATs have a negative effect on pupils’ wellbeing, new research by UCL Institute of Education (IOE) reveals. A survey of 288 primary school headteachers and 20 in-depth interviews were conducted by Dr Alice...
Future early years minimum wage rise ‘unsustainable’
The early years sector has warned it cannot afford another minimum wage increase – unless the government plugs a claimed £662m funding shortfall. The Early Years Alliance chief executive Neil Leitch said early years professionals deserve...
Childcare might become ‘available only in rich areas’
Childcare in England risks becoming the preserve of the wealthy, unless a £660m funding gap in a free childcare scheme is plugged, MPs are warning. Severe financial strain has been placed on private and independent nurseries offering the...
Level 3 qualified nursery workers down by a third
The number of nursery workers qualified to Level 3 has hit crisis point after dropping 37 per cent in the last four years, according to a new report by the National Day Nurseries Association. The latest early years workforce survey carried out by...
Controversial Synthetic Phonics Programme and Check – The Evidence
Should synthetic phonics remain mandated as the only way to teach all children to read and the Phonics Screening Check remain a statutory assessment in England for all six-year-olds? There is overwhelming evidence ignored by government that does not...
