Research shows high-quality early learning and care is important because children who attend higher quality preschool provision tend to do better throughout primary school, particularly in reading. Evaluation of the two-year-old free entitlement to childcare backs this up. It showed that those children who had attended a high-quality setting had a significant improvement to their [...]

This guidance invites practitioners across the whole range of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) settings to reflect on the quality of their provision for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) children and their families. It is set within the context of the themes, principles and commitments of EYFS and adds to the guidance on inclusive practice [...]

Professor Cathy Nutbrown has been asked by the Minister of State for Children and Families, Sarah Teather MP, to conduct an independent review into qualifications in the early education and childcare sector. The review will look at: The content of early years and childcare qualifications and training courses to improve the skills, knowledge and experience [...]

As a professional you know that evidence shows high quality provision during the foundation years has a lasting impact on children’s future learning and life chances. Quality provision in early education and childcare is secured through a workforce which is confident in:   Working together Engaging with mums, dads and families Delivering high quality practice [...]

High quality early education sits alongside health as an important determinant of children’s life chances. All 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to 15 hours of free early education per week.   A growing number of disadvantaged 2 year olds are now accessing free early education and by 2014-15 this will be extended to 40% of [...]