New Sure Start children’s centre statutory guidance   New statutory guidance for Children’s Centres was published by the Department for Education on 15 April.   This guidance replaces existing Sure Start children’s centres statutory guidance. It:   clarifies what local authorities and statutory partners must do because it is required by legislation, and what local authorities [...]

Revised Ofsted Inspection Framework for Children’s Centres   The revised inspection framework for Children’s Centres was published on the 21st March and can be found at:   http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/framework-for-childrens-centre-inspection-april-2013 http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/childrens-centre-inspection-handbook-for-inspections-april-2013 http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/inspection-of-your-childrens-centre-april-2013   The trio mutually link and the new framework mutually links with the current one (while it is still published):   http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/framework-for-childrens-centre-inspection-march-2013  

Following on from the success of providers offering free early education for three and four year olds, the Government is rolling out an entitlement of 15 hours per week for lower income two year olds in England.   Build up has already started, towards providing places for an estimated 130,000 children from September 2013 (about [...]

With so many fantastic examples of innovative practice around delivery models, services and what works effectively in practice in children’s centres across the country we are pleased to publish our first best practice case study Holme Wood Children’s Centre. This case study is about a programme called SEADlings which focuses on language and communication development. [...]

On 19 June the Prime Minister announced a review of childcare looking at how to reduce the costs for working families, and burdens on childcare providers, without compromising the safety or quality of provision. 4Children are working with the Department for Education and the Department for Work and Pensions to help inform them on this [...]

From September 2013 the 20 per cent most disadvantaged two year olds will be eligible for 15 hours of free early education – roughly equivalent to 150,000 children. From September 2014 this will be extended to the 40 per cent most disadvantaged two year olds – around 300,000 children.   From February to May 2012, [...]