News items: News items

HMRC apologises for Childcare Service website failings

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 14:54:51 +0000

The Childcare Service website has been beset with problems since it was launched earlier this year. Parents have found it difficult to sign up and use the website for it's intended purpose. Following reports of issues, the Treasury select committee chair, Nicky Morgan MP, asked for an explanation and received an apology from the HMRC chief executive, Jon Thompson. Mr Thompson said that "(he was) very sorry that some parents have experienced problems and have not received the service we aim to deliver,” and added that “We have emailed all these parents and are working to resolve these issues as quickly as possible.”. You can read full details in this news piece reported in The Guardian and in this Nursery World piece.

Child Poverty Action Group release 2017 report

Wed, 23 Aug 2017 10:03:40 +0000

The Cost of a Child in 2017 report calculates the cost of raising a child in the UK based on the minimum income standard (MIS). MIS is the income needed to give children an acceptable minimum living standard as defined by the public. It is calculated with reference to a basket of goods and services that the general public specifies as necessary to meet family needs. Years of austerity have reduced public expectations of what constitutes essential spending, but the report shows many families still face a big gap between what they need for a no-frills living standard and their income. If you would like to comment on the report you can do so here.

Ofsted's Chief Inspector writes about safety culture in schools

Mon, 21 Aug 2017 11:26:02 +0000

Amanda Spielman encourages school leaders to make decisions based on their experienced judgement. You can discuss the health and safety implications of Amanda Spielman's comments on this thread.

Ofsted release mythbusting videos

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 13:53:00 +0000

Ofsted have released a series of short video clips on their You Tube channel. The clips address some of the most common misconceptions about inspections and inspector's expectations. You can watch the clips here and then talk about them on this thread.

Letter to providers from Robert Goodwill MP

Fri, 28 Jul 2017 10:17:09 +0000

The new Minister of State for Children and Families has written an open letter to providers, you can read it here. If you would like to comment on his letter you may do so on this forum thread.

Updated operational guidance from DfE

Fri, 21 Jul 2017 17:08:21 +0000

The DfE have updated their guidance for the implementation of the 30 hours having considered feedback from the sector. You can access the updated guidance here: 30 hours free childcare: LA and early years provider guide. The forum thread for your comments can be found here.

Longitudinal Study of Early Education and Development (SEED) published

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 09:12:18 +0000

This research piece funded by DfE looked into the following: effect of early education on children’s outcomes, quality of provision and value for money of providing funded early years education to 2-year-olds from lower income families. With research notes dating back to 2014 you can read the full piece on the DfE site here. Nursery World have today published their comments, you can read their piece here

Pilot of tablet-based tests for five-year-olds

Fri, 14 Jul 2017 12:06:44 +0000

Schoolsweek magazine today announced news of the DfE's intention that English schools will join a pilot of PISA tests for 5 year olds this year. A trial will take place between October and December this year in around 20 schools and settings. You can read the full news item here.

The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Childcare and Early Education is set and ready to go!

Thu, 06 Jul 2017 14:32:36 +0000

The FSF is proud to be part of this small group of early years experts who are working together with MPs to ensure that the voice of the sector is heard in Parliament. You can read about it in Nursery World and here on this thread.

Early years ministers

Thu, 06 Jul 2017 14:31:42 +0000

New shadow early years minister announced: In the announcement of the new shadow cabinet, Tracy Babin MP (Batley and Spen) has been selected as shadow minister for early years. Elected to Parliament in October 2016, the Batley and Spen by-election was called in tragic circumstances, following the murder of sitting MP Jo Cox. You can read all about Tracy here: Tracy Babin MP.

New early years minister announced: The new minister with responsibility for childcare and early years is to be Robert Goodwill MP. His new remit will see him additionally responsible for vulnerable children and families. Mr Goodwill has previously worked as a minister in the department for transport and also has also served as government whip with responsibility for HM Treasury and the Department for Food & Rural Affairs. You can read all about him here: Robert Goodwill

Cabinet reshuffle

Fri, 23 Jun 2017 15:34:57 +0000

The minister who has responsiblity for early years, Caroline Dineage, has been moved from the DfE to the DWP. There hasn't been an announcement regarding her replacement yet. We also don't have a shadow minister representing early years

PEDAL appoint Professor of Play

Mon, 12 Jun 2017 11:25:12 +0000

Professor Dr Paul Ramchandani has been appointed Professor of Play at the PEDAL research centre in Cambridge. A clinical backgorund in child and adolescent psychiatry and an interest in the impact of parental involvement in early years development gives him a great insight into the research being undertaken at the centre. You can read more about the appointment and comment on this thread. Professor of Play appointed.

Party political manifestos

Fri, 19 May 2017 09:54:12 +0000

Early Education have usefully published a breakdown of how the different political parties are approaching early years in the General Election. You can read their comments and breakdown here. As always the FSF remains impartial. If you would like to discuss the content you can do so on this thread.

The tax free childcare scheme and the 30 hours sign up site is now live.

Wed, 03 May 2017 15:11:40 +0000

On the site, parents can sign up and start their tax free account and link to their childcare provider. Parents are also able to check their eligibility for the 30 hours provision. The website is called 'Childcare Choices'.

Additional £50m for 30 hours expansion

Mon, 24 Apr 2017 10:31:41 +0000

The Government have released an additional £50m to help with the introduction of the 'free' 30 hours. Whilst the additional funds are welcomed by the sector, some providers have concerns about the 'strings' attached to the money. Notable voices in the sector have raised concerns about whether this is the right amount of money being spent in the right places. You can read about it in Nursery World and hear what the Pre-school Learning Alliance have to say in this Guardian article. We have an active forum thread too, where you can hear from providers who will be receiving the money: Early Years Capital Funding Grants

Pre-school Learning Alliance 30 hours report

Mon, 10 Apr 2017 15:49:35 +0000

The PLA has released it's report following the survey of providers made in March. The results make for stark reading, yet reflect the discussions that have been held on FSF over the last few months. Neil Leitch, chief executive of PLA, has today been speaking to the media about the report. He was live on the Victoria Derbyshire programme this morning: This links to the BBC iplayer programme, (the link will be live for 29 days). The PLA report can be accessed from this link: Less than half of providers plan to offer 30-hours, survey suggests. You can share your opinions on this on this thread.

Primary assessment review and consultation

Mon, 03 Apr 2017 11:08:34 +0000

Yesterday the DfE announced a rethink of baseline testing in reception and also of SATs at the end of Year 2. The DfE is proposing to scrap SAT tests for children aged seven in favour of a baseline assessment at the start of reception. Education Secretary Justine Greening said that the proposals would help children learn, while “freeing up teachers to do what they do best – supporting children to their full potential. There is a consultation open from now until the 22nd June. You can access it here. The other documents can be accessed from these links: Government to consult on reforms to primary assessment system, update on Primary Assessment in England, Justine Greening: unlocking the potential of a new generation

The disturbing YouTube videos that are tricking children

Fri, 31 Mar 2017 13:44:09 +0000

The BBC 'Trending' section of the news site has today released shocking details of scary videos that are very easily accessed by children. They say "If you're not paying much attention, it might look like an ordinary video featuring Peppa Pig, the cheeky porcine star of her own animated series. But soon after pressing play on this particular YouTube clip, the plot turns dark. A dentist with a huge syringe appears. Peppa's teeth get pulled out. Distressed crying can be heard on the soundtrack." You can read the article in full and watch clips from the offending videos here. You can discuss the article here and share ideas of how to impart this important safety information to parents.

The government has today launched their 'Childcare Choices' website

Mon, 27 Mar 2017 13:46:06 +0000

The website helps parents to navigate through the different childcare cost options. They are announcing this under the following banner "The government is introducing new ways to help parents with childcare costs. Whether you have toddlers or teens, you could get support". You can access the website from here - Childcare Choices.

Up to 20,000 nursery workers are illegally being paid below the minimum wage in England, analysis of government data by a childcare charity suggests

Wed, 22 Mar 2017 12:45:05 +0000

The Department for Education data shows 10% of nursery staff earn less than £7.20 an hour the minimum for over-25s. The Family and Childcare Trust says the government must ensure the nurseries it subsidises do not flout the law. The sector is outraged by these suggestions saying that data was collected prior to the Living Wage increases last year and so is not accurate. Nursery World have reported the responses from Pre-school Learning Alliance and the National Day Nurseries Association who have both written in very strong terms against the findings. You can follow the links to read the BBC report and also the Nursery World report and the PLA response.

Department for Education 30 hours funding: Questions and Answers

Fri, 17 Mar 2017 16:13:41 +0000

The NDNA have produced an excellent factsheet that addresses many of the questions related to the 30 hour funding. They have referenced the new LA guidelines to help providers make informed decisions regarding how and when they offer the 30 hours in their setting. You can read the factsheet in full on the NDNA website.

Ofsted Mythbusting

Mon, 13 Mar 2017 15:50:48 +0000

FSF met with Ofsted's Early Education Deputy Director this week and discussed their latest campaign - #EYmythbusting. Is there something you've always wanted to know but were too afraid to ask? Did someone tell you something on a course and you've always wondered if it was true? Did you know that if you offer an inspector a biscuit it might be construed as bribery? (#myth, not true) Share your thoughts on this thread

GCSE requirement for L3 scrapped

Fri, 10 Mar 2017 17:00:30 +0000

Speaking at Child Expo this morning, Minister Caroline Dinenage has announced that the GCSE maths and english requirement for L3 practitioners has been scrapped. She said: "I was determined to listen to you" : Minister says that response to strategy and workforce review will also be published today. The level 3 qualification changes will come into effect on 3 April, DfE confirms ... here is the link to the document. Literacy and numeracy qualification requirements for level 3 Early Years Educator staff Government consultation response. More documents today: Early years workforce strategy and Literacy and numeracy of level 3 early years educator staff.

New statutory framework

Fri, 10 Mar 2017 16:56:23 +0000

Minister Caroline Dinenage announced the new Statutory framework at the Childcare expo event. Here is the document - you have little time to get it in place - it becomes 'Statutory' in one month. April 3rd is the 'effective' date. Statutory Framework 2017

Education Committee Primary Assessment Inquiry details

Fri, 10 Mar 2017 16:38:35 +0000

Nick Gibb MP, Minister for School Standards, Department for Education, has shared his thoughts on the ways forward for Primary Assessment. The STA and Ofqual also contributed. The TES has comprehensively summarised the meeting, you can read their article here. If you would like to read the full Primary assessment inquiry evidence piece it is here. You can access the full inquiry webpage here. On the webpage you will find links to previous sessions and full details of all evidence and discussions.