Early Years

The introduction of the new Reception baseline assessment sparked a debate about the nature of testing at the early years foundation stage. In January this year, ahead of the RBA becoming statutory in September, John Morgan found out about how to get the measure of young children’s abilities

If we teach spelling patterns to children at an early age, studies suggest a benefit vocabulary acquisition, says Jessie Ricketts

The gap between boys’ and girls’ GCSE and A level results can be resolved – but we need to take action in early years, argues Trefor Lloyd

Early years teachers are under more pressure than ever, and unless things change, we will lose many of them in 2022, writes Julian Grenier

Engaging children with abstract talk in the classroom can help to develop larger vocabularies, writes Amber Muhinyi

The physical and learning benefits of teaching outside mean you should wrap up warm and get on with it, says Nicky Clements

Improving the quality of early education will be good for all children, especially those who are disadvantaged, writes Julian Grenier

Discussions about race and racism need to happen at the start of a child’s educational journey, writes Laura Henry-Allain

Too often children start school behind on literacy, says this teacher – as she shares her tactic for fixing the problem

Research showing how playing with dolls boosts social development gives us an insight into the value of play, writes Jon Severs

With Barbie selling out cinemas, dolls are back in the spotlight. But can playing with such toys help children’s development in the early years? Molly Bolding finds out

The Little Bugs founder talks to Tes about her childhood experiences making soap out of conkers, an unexpected classroom visit from a snake and why she is so passionate about educating children outdoors