Early Years

Friday

25th Sep 2026

Is England’s early years sector really among the best in the world?
A recent OECD study ranked England’s early years system as one of the most effective internationally, writes Julian Grenier, but there are still challenges to address
Little girl with paper crown

Thursday

10th Sep 2026

How we drove a huge increase in our GLD score in 3 years
A primary school leader outlines how a thorough redesign of its nursery site and more staff training had a huge impact on good level of development outcomes
Child cutting an apple
Early years experts demand ‘urgent review’ of RBA
The Reception Baseline Assessment contradicts the government’s own screen-time guidance for young children, says letter to education secretary
Urgent review of RBA called for

Tuesday

8th Sep 2026

Reading from birth: how to build early literacy skills
For very young children, reading does not need to focus on the printed word, says Dr Karen Boardman, but should include playful experiences that support the development of crucial literacy skills
Young children playing drums

Friday

4th Sep 2026

Too many leaders ignore the early years - but our school does things differently
Reception is the foundation of a child’s educational journey, which is why this leader says its impact should be considered in every school decision
Why every school leader should understand the early years

Wednesday

15th Jul 2026

Early years language focus can boost progress by two months
NFER research finds all pupils benefit from language teaching in the early years – and it could have a real impact on their later education
Early years reading focus can have a real impact

Tuesday

14th Jul 2026

How the GLD target could hide a growing early years divide
The early years disadvantage gap is at its widest since 2014, research shows, raising questions about whose progress getting 75 per cent of children to a good level of development will rely on
early years disadvantage gap

Monday

29th Jun 2026

Rooted in wonder: the joy of outdoor learning
An international early years educator reflects on why time outside – and revisiting the same ground – can invoke wonder, awe and appreciation for nature in pupils
Squirrel on a tree

Thursday

25th Jun 2026

3 critical shifts for SEND reform success in EYFS
Structural reform to the SEND system will only make early years provision more inclusive if the plans are backed up by these key changes in practice, writes Julian Grenier
Young child playing with colourful toy bricks

Thursday

18th Jun 2026

DfE proposes early years training shake-up
Government is consulting on two options for redesigning early years training so it leads to Qualified Teacher Status
An early years teacher reading to young children

Tuesday

9th Jun 2026

Nearly three-quarters of nursery schools to cut costs amid pressures
Many maintained nursery schools are struggling to stay afloat, research shows – at a time when the government is talking up early years’ role in getting children school-ready
Stay afloat

Monday

18th May 2026

The 6 essentials of primary transition planning
The government has suggested that young children’s transition to school must start on Primary Offer Day, but what does this look like in practice? Molly Devlin sets out her trust’s approach
Bird flying from nest