We post the latest industry news and blogs
August 2025 - I never worked in early years to be a role model, any more than anyone else…
The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson has called for
more men to teach our children in early years settings and schools, and DfE has launched another wave of their Do
something big - Early Years Careers recruitment campaign. Great, we need
support from central government!
August 2025 - Leading the charge: What Directors of Children’s Services must do now in response to the Best Start in Life Strategy
The Department for Education’s newly published Best Start in Life Strategy marks another pivotal moment in early years policy.
August 2025 - Let’s think again about school readiness
I had a really awful time at school. I was far from ready. I was unsocialised, anxious, and sensitive.
August 2025 - ‘Food Inclusion’ should be a cornerstone of child development
I welcome the Cross Party Group’s call for FSM to be extended to all early years. There is a compelling case for elevating food inclusion to the same level of urgency and structural support as SEND.
July 2025 - Ofsted childcare data: beyond the headline findings
Delving into the inspectorate's latest annual early years data highlights key trends about the evolution of the childcare sector over the past year. Here are James’ five key takeaways from the Ofsted Childcare providers and inspections data 2024/25.
July 2025 - Parent power has never been so potent: what does it mean for early education and childcare?
We are again in a rapidly evolving era and landscape for early years and childcare. One truth is becoming increasingly clear: parent power is reshaping the sector like never before.
July 2025 - Five years of Coram Hempsall’s coffee breaks: Connection, conversation, and community
Five years ago in July 2020, we launched a simple idea with big impact
July 2025 - Rise like Sure Start
This week’s publication of the Government’s Best Start in Life Giving every child the best start in life - GOV.UK strategy has been warmly welcomed. There is no doubt the sector has been asking for and patiently awaiting a longer-term intent. We have long needed a rationalisation of our many anachronisms and over-burdensome processes.
June 2025 - Babyzone: open, accessible and measurable
I visited a Babyzone project recently. They are a UK-based charity that aims to provide holistic support to disadvantaged families with children under the age of five.
May 2025 - We need a new industrial revolution
The Nursery World Big Day Out held on Friday 16 May 2025 celebrated the centenary of championing and supporting everyone in the sector.
