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North Yorkshire County Council joins other early implements in offering 30hrs free childcare North Yorkshire County Council will begin offering the 30hrs of free childcare earlier than expected. They will join the eight original councils to launch the Governments 30hrs free childcare scheme. Dorset, Leicestershire and Tower Hamlets are also … [Read more...] about North Yorkshire County Council to deliver 30hrs free childcare early

Latest report says scrap universal free childcare According to the latest report from the Institute of Economic Affairs, Government must scrap universal free childcare as this is not helping those families that are in need of help. With many parents already spending a third of their wages on childcare, the report warns that with the … [Read more...] about Do away with universal free childcare

Department for Education propose new testing for five-year-olds  A recent report talks about the Department for Education considering taking part in a pilot scheme that will involve five-year-olds taking new tests. The pilot programme is set to start in September 2018. The decision to participate in this pilot study is shared in the … [Read more...] about Proposed tests for five year olds

The proportion of good or outstanding early years settings has risen to 91% According to latest figures, the proportion of nurseries, preschools, and childminders judged by Ofsted has risen to 91%.  These figures are continually growing, and this demonstrates the consistent level of high-quality care offered to children.  It … [Read more...] about Proportion of early years settings good or outstanding has risen

How nurseries, preschools and childminders can make up the shortfall in the loss made by the 30hrs free childcare With the Governments 30hrs free childcare scheme being introduced in September 2017 many nurseries are beginning to look at how they may be able to offer the increased hours. As funding amounts are beginning to be shared, it has … [Read more...] about Charging parents for the 30hrs free childcare

New guidelines issued on the importance of handwashing New guidelines from the National Insitute for Health and Care Excellence recommends that all children from the age of preschool should be taught how to wash and dry their hands properly. The reasons for this is to prevent the spread of infections and reduce the need for … [Read more...] about Why children should be taught the importance of handwashing

Maintained nursery schools face closure within the next few months   According to a recent survey, one in ten nursery schools faces closure due to funding cuts. These nursery schools target vulnerable children that come from difficult backgrounds, facing closure will mean these children will lose out on early education.  Figures … [Read more...] about Nursery schools face closure due to funding cuts

Busy Bees Childcare receives an award for being one of the top 100 providers of apprenticeships At a recent awards ceremony in London, Busy Bees Childcare was awarded as being one of the top employers of apprentices n the UK. The Lichfield nursery business as grown to become the UK's largest childcare provider. It currently … [Read more...] about Busy Bees Childcare one of the top 100 providers of apprenticeships

Four new local councils will pilot the 30hrs free childcare scheme in April A further four local authorities will join the original eight councils to pilot the 30hrs free childcare scheme in April. Dorset, Leicestershire, North Yorkshire and Tower Hamlets are the named councils that will begin offering the Government 30hrs scheme in April. … [Read more...] about More childcare providers to join the 30hrs free childcare pilot scheme in April

Lack of information from local authorities about childcare is available for families with SEND children According to recent research from the Family and Childcare Trust, many families with SEND are given very little information from local authorities about childcare options. This causes barriers for parents when trying to access a childcare … [Read more...] about Families with SEND children receive little guidance on childcare